Algarve Situation Analysis Report 8Th January 2016.Pdf

8th January

2016

ALGARVE TOURISM PRODUCTS ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN

Prepared on behalf of

Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

www.tourismdev.com

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Contents Page Number

Introduction

1. Destination Analysis ...... 1

1.1. Area Profile ...... 1 1.2. Destination Marketing ...... 5

2. Market Analysis ...... 6

2.1. Market Performance ...... 6 2.2. Adventure Tourism Market and Trends ...... 8 2.3. Cycling Tourism ...... 9 2.3.1. European Demand, Profile and Trends ...... 9 2.3.2. Cycling Tourism in the Algarve ...... 12 2.4. Walking Tourism ...... 15 2.4.1. European Demand, Profile and Trends ...... 15 2.4.2. Walking Tourism in the Algarve ...... 17 2.5. Conclusions ...... 18 2.5.1. Cycling ...... 18 2.5.2. Walking ...... 18

3. Market Research and Consultations ...... 20

3.1. Local and International Trade Surveys, and Airline Consultations ...... 20 3.1.1. Local Trade Survey ...... 20 3.1.2. International Trade Survey ...... 32 3.2. Stakeholder Map ...... 44

4. Product Audit Assessment ...... 48

4.1. Methodology ...... 48 4.2. Gateways and Access Points ...... 48 4.3. Cycling Routes ...... 51 4.3.1. Regional Routes ...... 51 4.3.2. Local Cycling Routes ...... 54 4.3.3. Cycling Events ...... 56 4.3.4. Bike Rental ...... 58 4.3.5. Regional Mountain-Biking Centre ...... 59 4.4. Walking Routes ...... 59 4.4.1. Regional Walking Routes ...... 59 4.4.2. Local Walking Routes ...... 70 4.4.3. Town Trails ...... 79 4.5. Critical Evaluation of Facilities and Product Providers ...... 79 4.5.1. Visitor Accommodation ...... 79 4.5.2. Visitor information centres ...... 81 4.6. Walking Routes Conclusions ...... 82 4.7. Cycling Routes Conclusions ...... 84

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

5. Best Practice Case Studies ...... 87

5.1. Mallorca, Spain ...... 87 5.2. Switzerland ...... 92 5.3. Loire a Vélo, France ...... 97 5.4. Great Western Greenway, Ireland ...... 100 5.5. Rota Vicentina Association ...... 103 5.6. Eurovelo Routes and European Long Distance Walking Routes ...... 104 5.6.1. Eurovelo Routes ...... 104 5.6.2. European Long Distance Walking Routes (E-Routes) ...... 109 5.7. Key Findings and Conclusions ...... 112

6. SWOT Analysis ...... 115

6.1. Strengths ...... 116 6.2. Weaknesses ...... 117 6.3. Opportunities ...... 118 6.4. Threats ...... 119

7. Comparative Advantages and Gap Analysis ...... 120

7.1. The Algarve’s Comparative Advantages in Cycling and Walking Tourism ...... 120 7.2. Key Gaps/Needs in the Future Development of the Algarve Cycling and Walking Tourism ...... 120

Appendices

Appendix A – Policy Summary Appendix B – Stakeholders consulted, local and international trade survey participants Appendix C – Photographic Overview Appendix D – Hotels and Activity Providers Website Audit

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Introduction

This document represents the principal findings and conclusions arising from the wide ranging programme of research, consultation and analysis undertaken by Tourism Development International (TDI) in the four months since the commencement of the Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan. It is the culmination of Stage 1 Situation Analysis and Opportunity Assessment.

The Stage 1 report is organised in seven sections, as follows: 1. Destination Analysis 2. Market Analysis 3. Market Research and Consultations 4. Product Audit Assessment 5. Best Practice Case Studies 6. SWOT Analysis 7. Comparative Advantages and Gap Analysis

TDI has drawn on the findings and conclusions arising from this situation analysis in the preparation of the Algarve Tourism Product Assessments and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking. The latter is presented as a separate document.

iii

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

1. Destination Analysis

1.1. Area Profile

The Algarve region covers 4,997 km2, shown on Map 1: Study Area Context below. The Algarve consists of a wide variety of topographies and geographical features. The coastal (Litoral) area to the east of Faro is characterised by the wetland areas of the Ria Formosa Natural Park with a succession of towns including Olhao, Tavira, and Vila Real do Santo Antonio. The coast to the west of Faro is increasingly rugged with cliffs interspersed by the beaches the Algarve is famous for. The west coast, Costa Vicentina, consists of breath-taking cliffs and beaches which are part of the Cape St Vincent Natural Park and the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park. The southern coast is approximately 155km long and the western coast around 50km from Cape St Vincent to the border with the neighbouring region, Alentjo, to the north.

Moving away from the coast to the Barochal area the topography begins to consist of more upland areas interspersed with farmland (olives and almonds and other fruits); beyond are the mountain ranges of the Algarve with many national forests in the valleys between the upland areas. There are exceptional views from the peaks of Rocha da Pena and from the Monchique area over the entire Algarve inland area and beyond to the coast with the highest point of the Algarve at Foia (902m).

The eastern border of the Algarve follows the River Guadiana corridor and consists of wetland areas to the south close to Castro Marim, becoming increasingly mountainous when moving north. The Guadiana corridor includes several settlements with the town of Alcoutim in the north-west.

The inter-municipal community of the Algarve region includes sixteen municipal councils with a combined resident population of around 450,000. The capital of the Algarve region is the city of Faro, the administrative authority of the Algarve until 2004. The municipal councils and their principal settlements are shown in Figure 1 below.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 1: Municipal Councils and Principal Settlements Municipal Council Population Area Principal Cities*/Settlements/Resorts Loulé 70,622 763.67 Loulé* Faro 64,560 202.57 Faro* Portimão 55,614 182.06 Portimão* Praia da Rocha Alvor Olhão 45,396 130.86 Olhão* Albuferia 40,828 140.66 Albuferia* Quarteria*/Vilamoura Silves 37,126 680.06 Silves* Armação de Pêra Tavira 26,167 606.97 Tavira* Lagos 31,049 212.99 Lagos* Lagoa 22,975 88.25 Lagoa* Vila Real de Santo 19,156 61.25 Vila Real de Santo António António* Monto Gordo São Brás de 10,662 153.37 São Brás de Alportel Alportel Castro Marim 6,747 300.84 Castro Marim Monchique 6,045 395.30 Monchique Aljezur 5,884 323.50 Aljezur Villa do Bispo 5,228 179.06 Villa do Bispo Sagres Alcoutim 2,917 575.36 Alcoutim Total 451,006 4996.8

Designated Areas

Around 40% of the Algarve is designated as protected areas, indicative of the significant flora and fauna to be found in the region. This is a relatively high figure, similar to that of New Zealand. Principal protected areas in the Algarve are shown in Figure 2 below.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 2: Principal Protected Areas in the Algarve Area Closest Features City/Town/Village Parque Natural do Sudoeste Runs 110km from Sagres Coastal cliffs, & remote beaches, Alentejano e Costa to north of Aljezur unique plants, otters, foxes, 200 Vicentina (Southwest Alentjo bird types, Rota Vicentina routes and Costa Vicentina Natural Park) Reserve Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim 20 sq.km of marshland and salt Castro Marim e Villa Real de pans, flamingos, spoonbills, Santo Antonio avocet, Caspian terns, white storks. Portugal’s oldest nature reserve (1975), winter visitors include greater flamingos, spoonbills, Caspian terns, springtime white storks Parque Natural de Ria VR do Santo Antonio- 60km long, 18,000ha - marshes, Formosa/Ria Formosa Faro salt pans, lakes, creeks and dune Natural Park islands, beaches & birdlife. Mediterranean chameleons. Serra do Calderirao Loule 30km north of Loule, beautiful protected area of undulating hills, cork trees and harsh scubland. The area is renowned for its bird varieties. Ancient village, excellent cuisine. Traditional water taps and fountains (fonts). Sagres Biogenetic Reserve Sagres In spring flowers are everywhere including wild orchids and endemic plants.

Rocha da Pena Pena 479m high limestone outcrop in the Serra de Caldeirao foothills. Classified site beacuase of its rich flora and fauna. Orchids, narcissi and native cistus cover the slopes. Red foxes, Egyptian mongooses are common. Bird species include the huge eagle owl, Bonelli's eagle and the buzzard. Centro Ambimental - environmental centre in Pena village.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

1.2. Destination Marketing

Destination marketing for the Algarve is undertaken by both the Algarve Tourism Board (ATB), the regional arm of the national tourism authority Turismo de Portugal, and the Algarve Tourism Association (ATA), the private sector membership body. Turismo do Algarve’s role is confined to the promotion of the Algarve within Portugal and Spain. ATA, funded by Turismo do Algarve (via Turismo do Portugal) promote the Algarve as a destination worldwide.

ATB has an annual budget of €5.5 million, with 20% allocated to joint public-private overseas promotion. Its focus is on the broader nature tourism sector rather than component activities within it such as cycling and walking. To that end it developed the initial Algarve Nature Week earlier in 2015 with special packages promoted nationally and internationally and showcased nature features and activities to international tour operators and media. ATB provides financial support to development activities associated with cycling and walking such as the website for Rota Vicentina.

ATA’s marketing budget is of the order of €7 million, split between beach, golf, events/MICE and nature. Significant levels of support is given to the airlines and tour operators featuring the Algarve. ATA is currently developing a website for the Algarve’s cycling and walking routes along the lines of the Azores model, see www.visitazores.com.

In addition to its website, ATA participates at overseas trade fairs in order to develop international trade contacts and facilitate partnerships with local operators, organises familiarisation trips and produces brochures. ATA’s responsibility with regards to cycling and walking, as with ATB is at a broad nature tourism product level with the person responsible for cycling and walking promotion also responsible for wellness and all other sports including golf and motor-racing.

Faro is an example of a municipality that recognises its potential to draw visitors to the city for a combination of its cultural and natural heritage assets. It has undertaken research to underpin the development of a city brand, aims to be a European City of Culture by 2027, and has established a multi-party “supporting committee”. It in implementing a series of product development and improvement measures (e.g. walks and trails on the town’s website, pavement signage) but lacks the resources to carry out marketing and promotional activities.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

2. Market Analysis

2.1. Market Performance

Portugal Tourism: Portugal received 9.3 million international tourist arrivals at collective tourism establishments in 2014, a strong rise of 12.3% over the level in 2013 following a growth of 8% in that year over 2012. During the same period total international tourist arrivals in the UNWTO regional classification of Southern/Mediterranean Europe rose by between 6.5 and 7% a year, indicating that Portugal is outperforming the region1. Receipts from international tourists staying at collective tourism establishments in the country also grew by 12.4% in 2014 reaching US$13.8 billion. The overall total of international tourist arrivals, including those not staying in registered accommodation, amounted to 16 million in 20142.

The WTTC Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2015 report for Portugal3 shows that travel and tourism makes a direct contribution to the country’s GDP of €10.4 billion in 2014, a level that is expected to rise by 2.5% a year to 2025, with its share of GDP rising from 6% to 6.9%. Taking into account the wider effects from investment, the supply chain and induced income, travel and tourism’s contribution stood at 15.6% in 2014 and is expected to grow to 17% by 2025 reaching €33.6 billion.

Algarve Tourism: Tourism to the Algarve, based on passengers (arrivals and departures aggregated) at Faro Airport, reached 6.2 million passengers in 2014 (up 3.1% on 2013), with overseas visitors making up 95% of the total. Guests in hotel accommodation4 totalled 3.4 million spending 16.9 million nights in 2014. AHETA estimates that, considering second homes, the Algarve received about 5.5 million tourists during 2014, equivalent to more than 30 million overnight stays.

The leading source markets for hotels in the Algarve are: the United Kingdom and the domestic Portuguese market both with close to 1 million guests in 2014 though with British guests generating the most nights i.e. 5.6 million as against 4 million. Next in order of significance are: Germany with a quarter of a million guests spending 1.8 million nights, Spain – 240 guests but a relatively low 763,000 nights, the Netherlands – 171,000 guests but a high average length of stay of 10 nights, and Ireland – 149,000 guests spending 896,000 nights.

1 UNWTO Tourism Highlights 2015 2 http://www.statista.com/statistics/398360/number-of-international-visitors-and-overnight-stays-in-portugal/ 3 Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2015 Portugal 4AHETA Balanco do Ano Turistico 2014 – Perspectivas 2015. Excluding local accommodation, rural tourism and manor houses

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

There are over 100,000 beds in hotels and other forms of commercial accommodation in the Algarve. The seasonal pattern of hotel demand is highly skewed towards the period June, July and August. Average annual room occupancy has been between 51 and 58% over each of the last seven years, with the 80% plus rates in the peak summer months compensating for the below 30% levels of occupancy in the November to February period.

Determinants and Trends of Algarve Tourism: Tourism to the Algarve has shown steady growth since the global financial and economic crises of the 2008/9 period. Between 2010 and 2014, airport passenger movements rose by an average annual rate of 3.5%, hotel room occupancy increased from 42.5% to nearly 47%, and most major source markets – with the exception of Germany which has plateaued – have increased their visitor flow to the Algarve.

The Algarve’s tourism product offering has stayed constant i.e. fine beach resorts with excellent summer season weather, attractive landscapes and a strong cultural heritage – both historic and modern, manifested through an excellent range of restaurants.

The large expatriate population in the Algarve – 58,743 in 2013 – has a significant impact on international tourism as family and friends resident abroad travel to the area to make visits.

The principal diversification to the established beach resort tourism market in recent years has been the strong move into the golf market. This has been one of the drivers of the recent growth of tourism in the Algarve and has been responsible for some modification of the skewed seasonal pattern of tourism by attracting golfers in shoulder season months.

There are 25 golf courses in the region, 16 of which are full 18-hole courses. Capacity has doubled in the last 15 years. Golf demand in the Algarve exceeds 1 million rounds a year, the principal months being outside the high season months of July and August when the summer heat acts as a deterrent. Awarded the accolade by IAGTO as the best tourist golf destination in Europe, the Algarve has been successful in promoting itself on the basis of the additional features it offers, rich gastronomy, mild climate and natural landscape, accessibility and infrastructure and strong marketing investment and other inducements such as low green fees prices and the creation of special "package" incentives. An example is the October 2015 Telegraph BMW Junior Golf Tournament at Quinta de Lago which Monarch Airlines jointly promoted.

A number of high visibility tournaments are held in the Algarve, both at the amateur level - European Seniors Champions Cup, the Nations Cup, Algarve Golf Trophy, Edga Algarve Open 2014 Annual Conference the PGA's of Europe, Oceanico World Kids Golf, Vilamoura Grand Trophy – and at the professional level - the Portugal Masters 2014, held at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course. Despite poor weather it attracted 26,000 visitors, and received 1,939 hours of international television broadcasting.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

2.2. Adventure Tourism Market and Trends

The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) defines adventure tourism as a trip that includes at least two of the following three elements: physical activity, natural environment, and cultural immersion. Though cycling and walking tours are not defined as adventure activities by ATTA, though hiking is categorised as a “soft” adventure activity, these activities have many of the same characteristics and motivations as those activities that are designated as adventure activities; and, furthermore, it is apparent that many adventure tourists seek to combine a range of activities in their trips, including cycling and walking.

Overall adventure travel activity – both “hard” (requiring a level of skill and/or to which is attached a degree of risk) and “soft” – amounts to 150 million travellers from the three main source regions of North America, Latin America and Europe. On average, one-in-four of international trips taken from these three regions are “soft” adventure trips, with 43% of Europeans indicating that they would take a “soft” adventure trip on their next holiday.5

Key trends identified in the 2014 UNWTO report on adventure tourism6 are:

 79% of tourism boards reported that the adventure tourism private sector had begun to emerge and/or grow in their destination7,  there is occurring a trend towards “disintermediation” i.e. the removal of the middle-man—a tour operator or travel agent—who has traditionally connected the consumer in the source market to the provider or ground handler in the destination market. This is in response to the traveller increased ability to access information and trusted consumer reviews online leading to more direct bookings with the provide,  cycling tourism is on the rise across the world, with an increasing number of adventure tourists embarking on both road and mountain biking tours, and participating in cycling events. The European Cyclists Federation says that cycling brings in over EUR 44 billion annually to the continent, resulting from 2.3 billion people cycling,  backpacking, trekking, and hiking are all forms of exploring destinations on foot, often on a budget. Like cycling, these types of adventure activities are on the rise. The Adventure Pulse: USA Adventure Traveler Profiles confirms that these are the most popular activities for the United States of America adventure travellers8,

5 Adventure Tourism Market Report. George Washington University School of Business, Adventure Travel Trade Association, Xola Consulting. 2010. 6 Global Report on Adventure Tourism. Adventure Travel Trade Association. UNWTO. 2014. 7 Adventure Travel Trade Association (2011), Industry Snapshot 2011, ATTA, Seattle. 8 Adventure Travel Trade Association (July 2014), AdventurePulse: USA. Adventure Traveler Profiles, ATTA, Seattle.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

 among students and youth travellers, cultural adventure activities tend to be the most popular, followed by activities in nature. In terms of trends, walking/trekking activities have increased globally over the past few years— 18.7% of respondents indicated that they participated in these activities in 2007, increasing to 48% in 20139,  adventure travellers are less sensitive to deficiencies in hard tourism infrastructure, such as airports and paved roads, but are perhaps more sensitive to soft infrastructure, such as signage, good guide training, and clean trails,  adventure destinations must also have policies in place that protect the three assets that adventure tourists value most—natural, cultural, and adventure resources.

2.3. Cycling Tourism

2.3.1. European Demand, Profile and Trends

Overall Market Demand: The sole European-wide study of the cycling market is the 2012 report The European Cycle Route Network Eurovelo published by the Directorate General for Internal Policies. Policy Department B: Structural and Cohesion Policies: Transport and Tourism. The total cycling market is estimated at 20.36 million trips involving an overnight stay and 2.27 billion day trips. The main destinations for overnight cycle trips were: Germany 4.6 million (23% of total European overnight cycle trips), France 4.0 million, the UK and Sweden (both at 1.2 million) with a number of countries all at or around the 1 million mark (i.e. Spain, Finland, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland). Portugal generated 70,000 overnight cycle trips. The economic value of these trips was €8.9 billion for overnight trips and €35 for day trips10. With demand for cycle tourism rising at between 2-4% a year11, bringing these figures up-to-date suggests a total cycling market in 2015 of around 23 million overnight trips involving expenditure of €10 billion.

The cycle market is predominantly domestic, typically between 90 and 95%12, and primarily about independent travel. However, the range of cycle holidays available illustrates a wide market spread for what might be termed “lightly packaged” tours, where the client has travel and accommodation booked, with transfers, a cycle and an information pack provided by a local operator in the destination. Specialist tour operators offer cycling holidays in many European countries and in some cases in long haul destinations. Examples are given in the Directorate General for Internal Policies 2012 report13. Of the 58 companies listed, eight operated cycling holidays to Portugal, the most popular destinations being France, Austria and Spain.

9 WYSE Travel Confederation New Horizons report, 2013 10 The European Cycle Route Network Eurovelo published by the Directorate General for Internal Policies. Policy Department B: Structural and Cohesion Policies: Transport and Tourism. 2012. 11 Ibid 12 ibid 13 ibid

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

The size of the German overnight cycle tourism market was 6 million in 2010, while for the Netherlands it was just under 1 million in 2012. Corresponding data are not reported for other main source countries. As noted, the great bulk of these overnight cycle trips were taken within their own country.

Despite the significant volumes, cycling tourism still constitutes a small proportion of total holidays taken by Europeans. A 2009 internet survey of 348 cycle tourism experts reported in the Directorate General for Internal Policies 2012 report14 found that the highest ratio of cycle holidays to all holidays was recorded in the Netherlands (at 3.7%), followed by Germany, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Belgium and the Scandinavian markets (all at 3%). Of other main markets to the Algarve, the UK and Ireland cycle holiday share of total holidays is 1%, while for Spain and domestic Portuguese holidaymakers it is 0.5%.

With at least 90% of overnight cycling trips being taken in their own country, the level of overseas cycling holiday trips taken by Europeans is estimated at 2 million a year currently.

Overall Cycling Holiday Profile and Motivations: The following generalised profile of Europeans taking cycling holidays is based on an analysis of eight market studies from five countries15:  Average age: 45 – 55,  Male 60%, Female 40% but more even shares for day excursions,  Education level: secondary education and significant minority university education and professional status,  Group composition: alone 20%, two cyclists 50%, small groups of three to five persons 20%, larger groups 10%,  Household income: wide range with €24,000-36,000 in the German market in 2010.

Most studies show the primary motivation is enjoyment from an activity that is relaxing and healthy. Other core motivations are being close to nature and the ability to explore other places and landscapes, with cultural heritage also ranked as a motivating factor of some, albeit lesser, significance16.

Segments: The overnight cycling market divides into three broad segments:  road cycling where the activity is more important than the destination,  touring cycling where the destination and the activity go hand in hand, and  mountain biking

14 Ibid 15 Ibid 16 Ibid

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 3: Overnight Cycling Market Segments

Road cycling Road cycling Touring cyclist sportive sub- enthusiast sub- segment segment Motivation Performance Activity prime Additional features of driven importance destination to complement cycling e.g. food and wine, culture, nature Travel party Individuals and Groups of friends, Full range - couple, friends, groups e.g. couples and club family – according to degree of clubs mates difficulty of route Pattern of usage Point-to-point, or Pick from well- Popular routes to familiar centre based known routes, destinations that may have point-to-point or been visited previously. Guided centre based or self-guided, both point-to- point and centre-based. Cycling often combined with another activity e.g. canal boating Arrangements Mainly FIT Majority book Range of booking direct, with tour arrangements operator used for holiday trip organisation Source: consultations with European cycling operators

Seasonality: Studies in Germany and the UK indicate that for cycle tourists the main season is from May until the end of August – the summer months. This reflects the preponderance of northern European markets in the study and the fact that the great majority of cycling tourism is domestic, with the colder and wetter winter climates in these countries deterring trips outside the summer. Length of Stay: Analysis of the Trendscope 200817 study indicates that 30% of all German cycle tourists take short breaks (i.e. two-to-four days) but that 62% make longer trips of five to 14 days and 8% enjoy longer stays of 15 days or over. Accommodation: The preferred forms of accommodation for overnight cycling tourists are evenly split between hotels and other forms of commercial accommodation (i.e. inn, guest house, B & B, farmstay), with smaller volumes in private rooms/relatives, youth hostels and other forms (including holiday homes and self- catering)18.

17 Ibid 18 Ibid

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

2.3.2. Cycling Tourism in the Algarve

The market segmentation analysis below is drawn on extensive consultations with key stakeholders and the international and local trade survey undertaken by Tourism Development International as part of this project.

Market Segmentation Analysis: Relevant market segments for the Algarve are identified according to:  Type i.e. road cycling, touring and mountain bike,  Travel party i.e. groups & individual enthusiasts,  Source markets according to their needs and preferences

Road cycling and touring cycle market segments are based on; degree of capability/experience/seriousness; main markets; focus of interest and types of activity; method of organisation; accommodation in the Algarve.  Road cycling 1 - Pro/serious amateur teams: Northern European; training camps; race events; long circuits; organised by teams using local agents; stay in hotels as long as access to kitchen for own meal preparation, or self- catering in villas etc.  Road cycling 2 - Groups of dedicated enthusiasts: European; longer circuits; spectator race events; organised by specialist international or local tour operators; most stay hotels, some self-catering villas.  Touring - Enthusiastic amateur 1: Continental European markets; focus on nature; mix of short and longer circuits; spectator race events; organised through specialist international or local tour operators; great majority stay hotels or hostels.  Touring - Enthusiastic amateur 2: North American markets; focus on culture; mix of short and longer circuits; stay in good quality hotels.  Touring - Enthusiastic amateurs 3: GB/Ireland markets; mix of nature and culture: mix of short and longer circuits; great majority stay in hotels or hostels.  Summer sun/sand/sea tourists: European. Small percentage engage in short circuits, no more than 1 – 3 hours; most stay in hotels, some self-catering units.

For the enthusiastic amateur touring segments, it is important to note that: 1. The relatively limited number of cultural sites and monuments compared with other regions of Portugal necessitates an emphasis on the Algarve’s good food and wines, and its natural beauty, to complement the activity, and 2. An increasing number make their own reservations via the internet and do not use the intermediary channels

Mountain biking market segments:

 Groups of dedicated enthusiasts: European. Specially constructed trails; organised by specialist international or local tour operators; most stay hotels, some self-catering units.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

 Enthusiastic amateur: European. Specially constructed trails; organised through specialist international or local tour operators; great majority stay hotels or hostels.  Leisure tourists who use a 1 to 3 hour mountain bike ride as an extra activity to a general holiday, staying at accommodations that provide bikes and dirt trails close by e.g. Turismo de Habitação, Herdade do Touril in Costa Vicentina, and Aldeia de Pedralva in west Algarve.

The survey of local trade carried out by TDI indicated that 50% of cyclists are here for touring, 28% for mountain-biking and 22% for road-cycling as shown in Figure 4 below.

Figure 4: Cycling Market Segmentation

Road Cycling; 22% Mountain Biking; 28%

Touring; 50%

Source: Local Trade Survey

Product:market matching for cycling can be undertaken by relating the two broad categories of hard-core and leisure cyclists by the types of trail they prefer. The analysis in the graphic below indicates that those cyclists engaged in professional and other hard-core cycling itineraries will be concentrated on the Via Algarviana, Grande Rota de Guadiana and similar trails as well as road routes through the Monchique mountain range. By contrast, leisure, soft adventure cyclists will be concentrated on coastline cycling paths and roads linking the coasts and the inland trails.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 5: Segmentation by Level of Difficulty and Trail Types

Hardcore Cyclists

ViaVia Algarviana Algarviana MonchiqueMonchique mountain mountain range range

GrandeGrande Rota Rota de de Guadiana Guadiana

OtherOther Grande Grande Rota Rota Dirt/Trails Road (backroads)

CoastalCoastal cycling paths paths

Leisure Cyclists

Another way of segmenting the touring market of “groups of dedicated enthusiasts” and “enthusiastic amateurs” is by relating level of service required by source market and travel arrangement. There is a rough correlation between the level of service required and the distance of the source market from the Algarve. Guided tours, including hotels and restaurants, constitute a small proportion of the market – most notably among North Americans – but have a high value because of these customers’ preparedness to pay for this greater level of service. Cyclists from the Australasian markets – again small in volume terms – also exhibit a preference for fully organised itineraries. Cyclists from the Nordic countries are split between those wanting all-inclusive arrangements with guides and those wanting to tour on their own but with hotels and restaurants included.

Germans typically want some items included while cycling independently and show a moderate level of price sensitivity. The most independent cyclists who tour on their own having made their own arrangements through the internet seeking out the best deals are other Europeans, particularly from the UK and neighbouring Spain. These represent the highest volume but relatively lower per capita spend in the Algarve.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 6: Segmentation by Source Market and Service Level Requirement

ALL INCLUDED - TURNKEY

Level of Service

More North America

Australia/NZ

Nordic Countries Willingness to Pay Less Germany More

Spain

Less

ON YOUR OWN - ADVENTURE

Source Markets: The source market split by cycling category as indicated by the TDI survey of local operators for cycling tourism shows that the UK, the Netherlands and Germany are the three leading markets for cycling tourism to the Algarve, with other important sources being Ireland and Scandinavia

2.4. Walking Tourism

2.4.1. European Demand, Profile and Trends

Market Demand: Though there is no Europe-wide study analysing the scale and trends in walking holidays, evidence at a national level indicates both that the incidence is growing and more destinations are recognising the opportunities to combine culture and nature with walking. There are both operators that specialise in the harder forms of trekking and hiking at one end of the scale and others that feature what they term “slow walking” at the other end. Examination of the developments and prospects of walking tourism among key European source markets based on research undertaken by the British and Irish tourism authorities are outlined below.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

UK residents’ trips to Europe have experienced gradual growth since 2010 and represent the lion’s share of overseas holidays, according to a YouGov report, ‘Activity and Adventure Holidays’19. European holidays taken by UK residents stood at 29 million trips in 2012, representing 81% of total overseas holidays taken.

For holidays taken in the last five years, walking and rambling vacations are the most popular activities among the respondents (both in the UK and overseas). A high proportion of domestic holidaymakers also favour hiking and cycling trips, while for those travelling abroad, overland tours and wildlife adventure trips are also popular.  52% of respondents have taken a walking/rambling holiday in the UK in the last five years, while 27% have done so overseas.  26% of respondents have taken a hiking/trekking holiday in the UK while 21% have done so overseas.  17% of respondents have taken a cycling/mountain biking trip in the UK compared with 10% doing so overseas.

Ireland has studied the scale and behaviour of the overseas walking market in detail. In 2011, 740,000 overseas visitors to the Republic of Ireland claimed to have gone hiking/cross-country walking spending approximately €649 million. Around a third of these visitors stated that walking was an important factor in their choice of Ireland as a holiday destination (225,000). Of this 740,000 visitors, 78% used walks which start and finish at the same location (in a loop), 79% walked for <10km and only 10% were accompanied by guides20. Fáilte Ireland research in 2013 found that the ‘core1’ market potential opportunities and challenges for the walking offer in Ireland from the four major markets of the UK, Germany, France and the Netherlands were21:  Walking offers the highest potential of any activity for Ireland for both domestic and overseas markets.  Germany, Britain and France each offer a ‘core’ market potential of more than 8 million people, and the domestic market has an ‘core’ potential of 1.5 million people or 33% of the population.  In both overseas and domestic markets interest in walking is much more definite than for other activities and intentions are somewhat firmer, making them somewhat easier markets to convert.  One of the biggest challenges for Ireland will be to get people to travel outside their own country to for these activities.  BRITAIN: England (86%), Scotland (79%) and Wales (78%) provide the greatest competition for walking holidays, 71% would consider an Irish walking holiday.  FRANCE: France (89%), Spain (69%) and Italy (66%) are the main destinations for walking, and 54% would consider Ireland for a walking holiday.

19 Market intelligence: Activity and adventure holidays. September 2013. https://yougov.co.uk/news/2013/09/27/market-intelligence-activity-and-adventure-holiday/ 20 Profile of Overseas Visitors who went hiking/hillwalking in 2011. Fáilte Ireland. 21 Walking Market Research 2013. Fáilte Ireland.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

 GERMANY: Germany (90%), Spain (71%) and Italy (69%) provide the greatest competition, with 63% of the core potential market considering Ireland for a walking holiday in the next three years  IRELAND: about half (46%) of respondents who have taken a holiday or break overseas in the last two years have engaged in walking during that holiday

Walking Holiday Profile and Motivations: The profile of the visitor to Ireland engaging in walking is mainly drawn from the higher socio-economic groups, spread across all ages but more males than females.

A 2014 study of the market for hiking in Germany, though focussed on the domestic patterns, gives some guidelines on the potential for overseas walking holidays22. It finds that the overriding motivation for Germans to take a hiking trip is to experience nature (75%). The five hiking target groups identified in the study are:  Golden years (aged 50 – 65),  Singles/couples without children (30 – 49),  Elderly people (over 65),  Families with at least one child over 14, and  Young people with no children under 14.

2.4.2. Walking Tourism in the Algarve

Market Segmentation Analysis: Walking market segments based on: degree of capability/experience/seriousness; main markets; focus of interest and types of activity; method of organisation; accommodation in Algarve.  Groups of dedicated enthusiasts: European & North American. Longer trails. Organised by specialist international or local tour operators. Most stay hotels, some self-catering villas.  Enthusiastic amateurs 1: Continental European markets. Focus on nature. Mix of short and longer trails. Organised through specialist international or local tour operators. Great majority stay hotels or hostels.  Enthusiastic amateurs 2: North American markets. Focus on culture. Mix of short and longer trails. Stay in hotels.  Enthusiastic amateurs 3: GB/Ireland markets. Mix of nature and culture: mix of short and longer trails. Great majority stay in hotels or hostels.  Summer tourists: European. Beach Plus tourists – up to 10 to 20% - looking for ways to experience the environment and culture of the areas in which their resorts are based through short (1 – 3 hour) town walks, boardwalks etc. Most stay in hotels, some self-catering units.

22 The market for hiking in Germany, PROJECT M gmbH/Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences/Institute of Management and Tourism/ Deutscher Wanderverband. 2014

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Enthusiastic amateurs (both for cycling and especially for walking) travel to the Algarve independent of operators, preparing their itinerary and booking their hotels through the internet. This is the segment that places the highest value on good maps and signposting on the routes, since those travelling via operators have the maps provided.

Source Markets: The source market split of walking tourism to the Algarve as indicated by the TDI survey of local operators shows that the Netherlands, Germany and the UK are the three leading markets for cycling tourism to the Algarve, together accounting for two-out-of-every-three walking tourists to the area.

2.5. Conclusions

The market analysis of the cycling and walking segments of the international tourism market indicate that these activities are experiencing demand growth above the average for all leisure tourism, reflecting the overall rise in demand for adventure tourism, both “hard” and “soft” forms.

2.5.1. Cycling

 The demand for cycling overnight trips is of the order of 23 million with around 2 million of these in the form of overseas cycling holidays,  The overnight cycling market comprises three broad segments: road cycling (where the activity is the primary concern), touring cycling (where the destination is as important as the activity), and mountain biking,  Cycling tourism in the Algarve mirrors the overall European pattern except that demand is mainly in the spring and autumn months,  The UK, the Netherlands and Germany are the principal source markets for cycling tourism to the Algarve,  It should be recognised that the implementation of a detailed product development and marketing action plan in support of cycling tourism in the Algarve will: 1. generate additional volumes of visitors whose primary purpose in coming to the area is for cycling; AND 2. attract visitors whose interests are more broadly based, but for whom the cycling product availability and marketing support will, in combination with the Algarve’s other assets such as cultural and natural heritage, sway the choice of destination towards the region.

2.5.2. Walking

 Though there is no Europe-wide study analysing the scale and trends in walking holidays, evidence at a national level indicates both that the incidence is growing and more destinations are recognising the opportunities to combine culture and nature with walking,

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

 Walkers fall into two broad groups: dedicated enthusiasts looking for longer, more demanding trails, and enthusiastic amateurs with varying requirements in respect of associated interest in the Algarve and type of trail,  The Netherlands, Germany and the UK are the principal source markets for hiking/cycling tourism to the Algarve, accounting for two-thirds of demand,  As with cycling, the implementation of a detailed product marketing and marketing action plan to support walking tourism in the Algarve will: 1. generate additional volumes of visitors whose primary purpose in coming to the area is for walking; AND 2. attract visitors whose interest are more broadly based but for whom the walking product availability and marketing support, combined with the Algarve’s other assets such as cultural and natural heritage, will lead to the Algarve being the destination of choice.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

3. Market Research and Consultations

3.1. Local and International Trade Surveys, and Airline Consultations

In addition to the comprehensive desk research analysis undertaken for this project, TDI has also conducted an online survey with representatives of the tourism trade in the Algarve and in key markets, and undertaken interviews with three major airlines serving Faro.

3.1.1. Local Trade Survey

TDI conducted an online survey with representatives of the tourism trade in the Algarve. The survey, which was launched on Friday 16th October 2015, and was completed on 20th November 2015. 90 interviews were conducted in total.

The sample for the local trade survey comprised the following subsectors: hotels (55 respondents), travel agencies (22 respondents), activity providers (10 respondents) and car hire companies (3 respondents).

 Cycling and Hiking currently represent very important sources of business for the tourism trade in the Algarve. Respondents to the survey indicated that 18% of their bookings are for cycling holidays. The proportion of bookings for walking holidays is even higher at 19%.  Demand for cycling and walking in the Algarve is growing. In both cases, a majority of trade respondents report the overall percentage of bookings to be increasing.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 7: Percentage of Bookings for Cycling and Walking Holidays/Performance Cycling Walking % %

Percentage of Bookings 18 19

Performance

Increasing 50 52

Staying the 33 26 Same

0 Decreasing 0 22 No reply 17

Source: Local Trade Survey

 March, April and May along with September and October are the main months for cycling. The trade also record bookings for this activity in February and November, albeit not to the same extent as the aforementioned months.  A similar seasonal pattern of demand is evident in respect of walking with even higher levels of demand in the early shoulder season [February] and the late shoulder [November] than is the case with cycling.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 8: Current Seasonality of Cycling and Walking Holiday Bookings 60

Cycling Walking/Hiking

Source: Local Trade Survey

 The main markets for cycling in the Algarve are Britain [23% of cycling customers], Netherlands [20%] and Germany [18%].  Demand for walking is generated primarily from the same markets- Netherlands [24% of walking customers], Germany [23%], and Britain [18%].

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 9: Market Profile of Cycling and Walking Hiking Customers Cycling % Hiking/Walking %

18 Great Britain 23

6 Ireland 7

Germany 23 18

Netherlands 20 24 Scandinavia Other Europe 6 7 11 Other Overseas 12 7 Domestic 6 7 4

Source: Local Trade Survey

 For both cycling and walking, trade respondents indicated that approximately half their customers pursuing these activities had travelled as couples. In both cases, small adult groups were cited as accounting for approximately one in five customers pursuing these activities.

Figure 10: Demographics of Cycling and Walking Customers Cycling Walking Gender % % Male 57 49 Female 43 51 Age % % Under 25 4 2 26-35 15 9 36-45 28 24 46-55 26 25 56-65 21 29 65+ 6 10 Party Composition % % Individuals 20 15 Couples 47 58 Families 8 6 Small adult group 20 17 Other adult group 4 3 Professionals 1 <1 Source: Local Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

 In terms of reasons for visiting, for a majority of cycling and walking customers, the Algarve and the activity are equally important. It is clear from this that the Algarve offers cyclists and walkers significant added value beyond the particular activities.

Figure 11: Reasons for Visiting the Algarve – Agreement with Statements Cycling % Hiking/Walking % The Algarve is the main 21 21 reason for visiting

The Algarve and the activity 46 42 are equally important

The activity is 7 the main reason 8 for visiting

30 No reply 26

Source: Local Trade Survey

 Two thirds [67%] of the tourism trade’s cycling customers are first time visitors to the Algarve. A similar pattern is evident in respect of walking [64%].

Figure 12: First Time Vs Repeat Visitation Patterns of Cycling and Walking Customers Cycling % Hiking/Walking %

64 First time 67 visitor

33 36 Repeat visitor

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Source: Local Trade Survey

 In terms of booking, a majority of cycling customers [57%] are reported by the trade to have booked directly with the balance [43%] having booked through a travel agent. For walking customers, the proportion of ‘direct’ bookings is even higher at 61%.

Figure 13: Method Booking Used by Cycling and Walking Customers Cycling % Hiking/Walking %

57 61 Book directly

Book through a tour operator/ 43 39 travel agent

Source: Local Trade Survey

 Cyclists are reported to stay on average for 4.77 days. The average length of stay for walkers is higher at 6.09 days.

Figure 14: Average Length of Stay of Cycling and Walking Holidays

Walking/Hiking 6.09 Days

Cycling 4.77 Days

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Source: Local Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

 In terms of overall participation, touring is the most popular form of cycling activity. The trade also record minority participation in mountain biking and road cycling. Demand for all three categories of cycling has grown over the last 3 years with higher proportions of the trade recording growth in touring.

Figure 15: Cycling Market Segmentation

Road Cycling; 22% Mountain Biking; 28%

Touring; 50%

Source: Local Trade Survey

Figure 16: Cycling Market Segmentation - Trends Road Cycling % Touring % Mountain Biking %

Demand is growing 36 36 51

Demand is the same 28 32 Demand is decreasing 21 1 1 0

35 28 31 No reply

Source: Local Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

 Consistent with existing demand patterns, the months of March- May inclusive and September and October are seen by the local trade as offering the best potential for both activities. In fact, with the exception of July and August, all other months are cited as having potential for these activities.

Figure 17: Months Offering Best Potential for Cycling and Walking in the Algarve 70

Cycling Walking/Hiking

Source: Local Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

 Consistent with the findings presented in respect of motivations above, it is clear that cyclists and walkers expect a range of other activities and experiences when visiting the Algarve. Foremost in this regard are experiencing the local food, visits to towns/villages and historic sites, meeting local people, and enjoying the beautiful landscape. One third of walkers expected to participate in bird watching during their visit.

Figure 18: Other Activities/Experiences Expected by Foreign Cycling Customers

Experiencing local food 61% Visiting typical towns and villages 58% Bike hire 48% Visit built heritage (e.g. castles and buildings) 43% Meeting local people 38% Local guide 24% Engaging with nature (e.g. through interpretation) 24% Bird-watching 21% Baggage transfer 16% Opportunity to purchase artisan craft and art 13% Picnic areas 7% Other 6% No reply 27%

Source: Local Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 19: Other Activities/Experiences Expected by Foreign Walking Customers

Experiencing local food 61% Visiting typical towns and villages 56% Visit built heritage (e.g. castles and buildings) 51% Meeting local people 43% Bird-watching 37% Engaging with nature (e.g. through interpretation) 33% Local guide 21% Bike hire 17% Opportunity to purchase artisan craft and art 14% Picnic areas 11% Baggage transfer 10% Other 6% No reply 33%

Source: Local Trade Survey

 Cycling tourism to the Algarve would be boosted by better information online and promotion, more winter season flights and signposted day rides; while walking tourism requires better information online, more winter season flights, more short trails near towns and resorts, and better signage.

Figure 20: Most Important Actions for the Development of Cycling Tourism in the Algarve

Better online information (e.g. dedicated website,… 58% Better promotion of cycling 58% More international flights in winter 53% Signposted day-rides 53% Upgrade the Ecovia do Litoral to Eurovelo standards 50% Better trail conditions 46% Better/more directional signage 44% Better/more interpretative signage 44% More mountain-biking opportunities 32% Bike friendly accommodation 32% Better linkages with public transport 24% Baggage transfer arrangements 21% More bike rental availability 14% More accommodation on trail routes 13% Other 3% No reply 17%

Source: Local Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 21: Most Important Actions for the Development of Walking Tourism in the Algarve

Better online information (e.g. dedicated website,… 57% More international flights in winter 53% More short trails near towns/resorts 53% Better/more directional signage 50% Better/more interpretative signage 48% More long distance trails 39% Better linkages with public transport 34% Better trail conditions 32% Walker friendly accommodation 26% Baggage transfer arrangements 17% More accommodation on trail routes 16% Other 3% No reply 17%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Source: Local Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

3.1.2. International Trade Survey

TDI conducted on-line interviews with 20 international travel trade representatives. The sample comprised specialist cycling and walking operators, and walking clubs in Algarve’s key markets namely mainland Europe (11 interviews), Britain and Ireland (7 interviews) and the United States (2 interviews). Most of the respondents interviewed (80%) currently feature the Algarve in their programmes.

As can be seen in Figure 22 below, for these international companies, walking accounted for just over half of all customer bookings, while cycling accounted for 45% of business. In the case of both activities, respondents reported demand to be increasing.

70% of British/Irish trade representatives reported an increase in demand for walking. Where cycling is concerned, growth is particularly evident in respect of Europe, with 64% of business reporting an increase in demand.

Figure 22: Demand for Cycling and walking Holidays Cycling Walking % %

Current Share of Total 45 52 Bookings

Demand is

Increasing 55 55

Staying the Same 15 15

Decreasing 0 5

No reply 30 25

Source: International Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

On balance, a satisfactory rating was recorded in respect of the Algarve as a cycling destination, although a significant minority were not (sufficiently) aware of Algarve’s cycling product to offer an opinion.

The Algarve is highly rated as a destination for walking with three quarters of trade representatives interviewed rating the activity as either ‘very good’ or ‘good’. The level of endorsement of the Algarve as a walking destination was even higher amongst British and Irish trade representatives.

Figure 23: Rating of Algarve as a Cycling and Walking Destination Cycling % Hiking/Walking %

Very Good 20 20

Good 25

50 Fair 10 0 Poor/Very Poor

5 No Reply/Don’t Know 0 45

Source: International Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Climate and ‘safe destination’ are cited as the main strengths of the Algarve as a walking destination (by 70% of trade respondents in both cases). The friendliness of the people, quality of walking trails, and natural heritage were also mentioned as positive attributes.

The full listing of strengths associated with the region is presented in Figure 24 below.

Figure 24: Strengths of Algarve as a WALKING Destination

Climate 70% Safe destination 70% Friendly people 55% Trail quality 55% Natural heritage (coast, mountains etc.) 55% Airline connections 45% Good directional signage 45% Quality of food 45% Variety of long distance trails 45% Variety of shorter trails 40% Built heritage (churches, Roman ruins etc) 35% Good interpretative signage 35% Quiet roads away from the coast 35%

Source: International Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

The aforementioned attributes are also mentioned as strengths associated with the Algarve as a cycling destination.

In addition, the availability of quiet ‘traffic free’ roads, (good) airline connections, built heritage, quality of food, and variety of long distance trails were also identified as positive attributes.

Figure 25: Strengths of Algarve as a CYCLING Destination

Climate 55%

Safe destination 40%

Natural heritage (coast, mountains etc.) 40%

Friendly people 35%

Airline connections 35%

Quiet roads away from the coast 30%

Trail quality 30%

Quality of food 25%

Built heritage (churches, Roman ruins etc) 20%

Variety of long distance trails 20%

Other factors 30%

Source: International Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

A lack of route/trail signage, inadequate road signage and lack of maps were identified as the main weaknesses of the Algarve as a walking destination. International trade respondents also highlighted inadequacies in terms of lack of accommodation and restaurants near trails, problems with trail quality and lack of information at tourist information offices.

Figure 26: Weaknesses of Algarve as a WALKING Destination

Lack of (route/trail) signage 35%

Poor road signage 35%

Lack of maps 35%

Lack of accommodation 30%

Lack of restaurants 25%

Lack of information in tourist information offices 25%

Poor trail quality 20%

Poor websites/online information 15%

Lack of accessible trails (wheelchairs) 15%

Lack of direct flights 15%

Source: International Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

The fact that a high proportion of trails in the Algarve are ‘on road’ was identified as the main weakness of the region as a cycling destination. Poor road signage, allied to a lack of maps and route signage, were also cites as problems.

Figure 27: Weaknesses of Algarve as a CYCLING Destination

High proportion of trails on road 30%

Poor road signage 25%

Lack of maps 25%

Lack of (route) signage 20%

Lack of information in tourist information offices 15%

Lack of direct flights 10%

Poor trail quality 10%

Lack of restaurants 10%

Poor websites/online information 5%

Lack of accommodation 5%

Source: International Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

International trade representatives interviewed in this survey expect demand for cycling and walking in the Algarve to grow over the next 3 years.

Figure 28: Assessment of Level of Demand for Cycling and Walking Holidays in the Algarve over the next 3 Years Cycling % Walking/Hiking % Expect … Significant growth (10+%) 25 25

Moderate growth (1-10%) 45 50

No Growth 6 0 Decline 5 0 No reply 25 20

Source: International Trade Survey

The segments considered by the international trade to offer the best potential for walking in the Algarve are:  Men and women  Middle aged (45-65)  Individuals, couples and small groups

Walking in the Algarve is considered to appeal to first time visitors to the region and repeat visitors in more or less equal measure.

The segments considered to offer the best potential for cycling in the Algarve are:  First time visitors  Men and women  Middle aged (45-55)  Couples, small groups, individuals and families

In terms of category/type of cycling, touring is seen as having the greatest potential where the Algarve is concerned. The international trade also identify road cycling and mountain biking as offering some potential.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 29: Segments Considered to Offer the Best Potential for Cycling and Walking Holidays in the Algarve Cycling Hiking/ Walking Gender % % Male 35 40 Female 40 65 No reply 45 25 Age % % Under 25 - - 26-35 10 - 36-45 20 20 46-55 45 50 56-65 30 65 65+ 5 30 No reply 40 20 Party % % Composition Individuals 30 50 Couples 45 60 Families 20 - Small adult group 40 55 Other adult group 5 5 Professionals 10 10 No reply 40 20 First Time Vs % % Repeat Visitors First time visitors 56 50 Repeat visitors to the Algarve 13 45 No reply 31 25 Cycling Type % Touring 45 Road Cycling 15 Mountain Biking 15 No reply 35 Source: International Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

The early shoulder months of March, April and May, together with the late shoulder months of September, October, and (to a lesser extent) November, are identified as the time of the year representing the best potential for walking in the Algarve. Even the winter months (December – February) are considered suitable for walking.

A similar pattern is evident in respect of the perceived seasonal pattern of demand for cycling with both Spring and Autumn considered as offering the best potential.

Figure 30: Months Representing the Best Potential for Cycling and Walking in the Algarve/Length of Stay 90

Cycling Walking/Hiking

Cycling Walking % %

Average Days Spent in 7.08 7.57 Algarve

Source: International Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

The average length of stay for walkers visiting the Algarve is estimated at 7.57 days. Where cyclists are concerned, average length of stay is slightly shorter at 7.08 days.

When questioned on the main reasons why walking customers visit the Algarve, international trade executives are of the view that where these individuals are concerned, for the majority, the Algarve as a destination and the activity are equally important.

A similar pattern is perceived to exist where cyclists are concerned although a high proportion of trade respondents remain uncommitted on this particular question.

Figure 31: Main Reasons why Cycling and Walking Customers Visit the Algarve Cycling % Hiking/Walking % The Algarve is the main 10 10 reason for visiting The Algarve and the activity 35 are equally 50 important The activity is the main reason 15 for visiting

40 No reply 20

Source: International Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

In a final question, international travel trade executives were asked for their opinion regarding measures that could be taken to develop walking and cycling in the Algarve.

Improvements to directional signage, the development of short trails in close proximity to towns and accommodation centres, and improved linkages with public transport were identified as interventions requiring attention. A range of other product development, visitor servicing and marketing actions are also proposed and are set out in Figure 32 below.

Figure 32: Most Important Actions for the Development of WALKING Tourism to the Algarve

Improve directional signage 45%

Develop short trails near towns/accommodation… 45%

Improve linkages with public transport 40%

Improve trail conditions 33%

Improve online information (e.g. dedicated website,… 33%

Improve interpretative signage 30%

Establish Algarve Walking Festival 30%

Provide more international flights in winter/off peak 30%

Develop baggage transfer services 30%

Develop accommodation on trail routes 30%

Develop walker-friendly accommodation 25%

Develop more long distance trails 25%

Source: International Trade Survey

Where the development of cycling is concerned, the upgrading of the Ecovia do Litoral to Eurovelo standards, and the development of baggage transfer services are cited as priorities. As with walking, international travel trade executives would like to see action on the marketing front, with improvements to on-line marketing and a general increase in promotion of the Algarve as a cycling destination.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Other suggested actions for the development of cycling in the region are presented in Figure 33 below.

Figure 33: Most Important Actions for the Development of CYCLING Tourism to the Algarve

Upgrade the Ecovia do Litoral to Eurovelo standards 30%

Develop baggage transfer services 25% Improve online information (e.g. dedicated website, 20% maps, GPS)

Improve promotion of cycling generally 20%

Improve linkages with public transport 20%

Provide more international flights in winter/off peak 20%

Develop accommodation on trail routes 15%

Develop bike-friendly accommodation 15%

Develop mountain biking opportunities 10%

More bike rental availability 10%

Source: International Trade Survey

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

3.2. Stakeholder Map

For the purposes of this study a stakeholder mapping exercise was undertaken (see Figure 34).

Figure 34: Stakeholder Map

Blue = Primary Stakeholders; Green = Secondary Stakeholders

This focuses on primary and secondary stakeholders where primary stakeholders are those who without their continued participation the initiative to increase the number of walking and cycling visitors and extending the season for these visitors cannot succeed. Secondary stakeholders are those who influence, affect or are influenced by or affected by the initiative and while play and important role are not essential for its success. Primary and secondary stakeholders can also be considered as public and private entities. For the Algarve, and in relation to walking and cycling development, the primary stakeholders include:

Destination Management Organisations (mainly public with the private association ATA also playing a lead role):

 Turismo do Portugal  Turismo do Algarve  ATA

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Municipal Councils (public)  Alcoutim Municipal Council  Castro Marim Municipal Council  Vila Real de Santo António Municipal Council  Tavira Municipal Council  Olhão Municipal Council  Faro Municipal Council  Loulé Municipal Councils  Albufeira Municipal Council  Silves Municipal Council  Lagoa Municipal Council  Portimao Municipal Council  Lagos Municipal Council  Vila do Bispo Municipal Councils  Monchique Municipal Council  Sao Bras de Alportel Municipal Council  Aljezur Municipal Council  Mértola Municipal Council, Alentejo  Odemira Municipal Council, Alentejo  Sines Municipal Council, Alentejo  Santiago do Cacém Municipal Council, Alentejo  Serpa Municipal Council, Alentejo  Beja Municipal Council, Alentejo

Trail Managers (public/private)  Rota Vicentina Association  Almargem  Odiana Association  In Loco Association

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Tour Operators (private  Tour operators – local  Tour operators – overseas

Activity Providers (private)  Activity companies

Air Transport (private)  Airlines  ANA

Accommodation Providers (private)  Hotel and resort owners

Secondary stakeholders include:

Regional Organisations (public)  CCDR  AMAL

Government Agencies (public)  Direcção Regional da Cultura  Autoridade Marítima Nacional  ICNF

Host Community (public)  Local Community  Ex-pat community

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Visitors (public)  Visitors – domestic  Visitors – Overseas

National Recreation Organisations (public/private)  Federação Portuguesa de Ciclismo (FPC)  Federação Portuguesa de Cicloturismo e Utilizadores de Bicicleta (FPCUB)

Infrastructure Providers  Infraestruturas de Portugal  Comboios de Portugal – CP (Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses)

Local Transport (private)  EVA  Car hire (ARA/ARAC)

Trade Associations (private)  Associação dos Hotéis e Empreendimentos Turísticos do Algarve - AHETA  Associação dos Industriais Hoteleiros e Similares do Algarve - AISHA

Media (private)  Journalists

All destination stakeholder relationships are interlinked and must work together. Coordination and collaboration and communication are vital to deliver the common goal of more visitors over a longer period of the year which will deliver benefits to all local stakeholders and enhance visitor experience.

Monitoring of the implementation of the initiative and the roles of key stakeholders is essential to guarantee progress towards creating a high quality overall experience. A control process focussed on the monitoring of progress at key stages is considered vital to the success of the initiative. Feedback can inform future stages of implementation and highlight where best practice can be shared or where key stakeholders are holding up progress.

The success of the initiative is likely to depend on strong destination stakeholder unity. To maximise the opportunity for stakeholder unity it is likely that a formal structure for contact and communication will be required in tandem with an identified leadership role to drive the implementation of the action plan.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

4. Product Audit Assessment

4.1. Methodology

For the purposes of this study a comprehensive product audit was undertaken utilising a combination of:  Desk based research: Focussing on tourism websites, strategic development plans, web searches  In depth site visits for the study area  Targeted consultation

In this context cycling and walking routes (both cycling touring and mountain-biking) have been considered as separate trails. However it is acknowledged that there is cross over both between infrastructure, in terms of some trails being used both for cycling and walking, and in terms of use with some visitors participating in both walking and cycle touring; while there is less of a cross over between participation in walking and road-racing.

The product evaluation was for cycling and walking routes involved a robust assessment of a sample of trails under a range of criteria including:  Trail length and type  Trail condition  Signage (directional, orientation, interpretation)  Management & organisation  Maintenance  Information provision (websites, maps and guides)  Local linkages e.g. transport, accommodation  Marketing/Promotion

Key findings and conclusions from the product audit are outlined below for walking (2.2) and cycling (2.3).

4.2. Gateways and Access Points

There are three tiers of gateways to the study area:  Tier 1: Large Urban Areas/Primary Destinations which act as a base for many visitors and which include significant resident populations. Faro could be considered the primary access point for the Algarve due to the proximity of Faro Airport.  Tier 2: Primary Destination Areas which may be part of visitor’s circuit or act as a magnet to bring visitors into the broader area thus benefitting the communities in the study area.  Tier 3: Secondary Destination Areas or resorts – these are included because of their role as transport hubs, population size, strategic location and availability of accommodation and local ancillary services. This category includes rural villages and smaller settlements which could also be considered access points for the four mountain areas.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 35: Gateways to the Study Area Tier 1: Large Urban Primary Destination Areas Tier 2: Secondary Areas/Primary Destination Areas Destinations Faro Monto Gordo Loule São Brás de Alportel

Lagos Praia da Rocha Olhão Castro Marim

Portimao Armação de Pêra Vila Real de Santo António Villa do Bispo Albufeira Alvor Sagres Alcoutim

Lagoa* Vilamoura Tavira Aljezur

Silves Monchique

In addition to gateways there are a range of key access points to the study area for visitors and locals the majority of which are located in the primary destination gateways, such as:  Rail and bus stations  Intersections with existing trails  Attractions in the study area: e.g. accommodation, activities, restaurants, shops that attract people to the area.

These gateways, access points and the roads between them are the places where economic benefits from visitors are most likely to be realised. Map 2 shows the locations of the main cycling and walking routes, gateway cities and towns and the transport network.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

4.3. Cycling Routes

The Algarve has some of the best winter cycling opportunities anywhere in Europe with a combination of dramatic scenery with wild hill country and some untouched beaches with very good quality roads with little traffic, once you leave the coastal area. This combined with attractive villages, good food & wine, flora & fauna, friendly people and good weather make cycling in the Algarve an attractive proposition if visitors know where to go.

4.3.1. Regional Routes

Touring/Road Cycling: There is currently one official long distance cycling route in the Algarve, the Ecovia do Litoral (Coastal Greenway), a 214km route from Villa Real de Santo António in the east to Cabo de S.Vicente in the west. The concept of the route was initiated by Ria Formosa Natural Park in 2002 and they went to CCDR for funding and then developed with the aid of AMAL the idea from just a trail across the Ria Formosa NP area to a multi municipality trail from Villa Real Santo Antonio to Cape St Vincent (See Map 2).

The trail was initially benchmarked against international similar trails and a plan was developed with the cost estimated at €13m. The municipal councils then cut this budget to €3m with knock-on effect on the trail quality. Of this 3m around €1m went on signage, €1m went on re-surfacing and drainage, and €1m went on bridges and boardwalks.

Although capital funding was provided there was no maintenance budget which has meant deterioration of the product since 2008. This has meant that three sections – from Bias do Sul (East of Olhão) to Faro, from Burgau to Portimao and from Altura to the detour to Retur (1,5km to the East) are on the N125 or other heavy traffic roads. A key issue is that the lack of signage means people get lost and have a negative/dangerous experience.

While there are issues with the route it has tremendous potential to link the cities and towns along the coast of the Algarve. A survey of Megasport customers who had completed the Ecovia said it had the potential to be one of the world’s best coastal cycle routes.[1]

Stages: While there is no official guide to suggest overnight stops. A tour by Irish Cycling Safaris splits the ride into six sectors (VillaReal-Tavira, Tavira-Olhao, Olhao-Boliquime, Boliquime-Praia da Rocha, Praia da Rocha-Salema, Salema-Cape St Vincent). The suggested five stages on the now offline www.ecoviasalgarve.org website are23:  Villa Real to Tavira 30km  Tavira to Faro 39km  Faro-Albufeira 49km  Albufeira-Lagos 62km  Lagos-Cape St Vincent 47km

23 http://www.gpsies.com/mapUser.do?username=coelho_jorge

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In practice it may be the case that some people may wish to reduce the length of the 4th and 5th stage and stop at places such as Praia da Rocha or Salema on the way.

Management organisation/funding: In 2007 there were 3 ideas on how to manage the trail – a body that would operate the Ecovia funded by the MC’s; an existing entity such as AMAL, each MC would manage their own section, which is what has been happening up to now. From 2008 on there have been complaints from cyclists due to the lack of continuous route and declining quality. These were coming to AMAL and have now been directed to municipal councils to try to make them take ownership of the issues. Now there is currently effectively no management agency for the Ecovia do Litoral.

Signage: When the trail was first implemented around €1m was spent on signage. Some of which has deteriorated in the sun and with salt. A decision was taken not to install directional signage and instead to paint a blue line along the side of the road for cyclists to follow – the reasoning being to reduce visual clutter in urban areas. However there has been little or no maintenance carried out on the route since 2008 with much of the blue directional line worn away or removed due to road re- surfacing.

Information available: There are no official maps, websites or GPS details available. There was a website, www.ecoviasalgarve.org, but the company managing it went bankrupt and AMAL have not had the resources to restore it.

Visitor data: There is no recent visitor data available.

Key issues & opportunities: A decision has now been taken to progress the Ecovia do Litoral concept as part of the Eurovelo 1 route. All the countries along the route from Norway to Portugal met in November 2015 in Westport, Ireland to decide what would be needed to enable Eurovelo #1 (Atlantic Route)[2]. The route will run from Norway, through UK, Ireland, France and via Salamanca south along Guadiana to Villa Real do Santo Antonio and to Cape St Vincent. Ideally, according to the Portuguese Cycling Federation, it should then run from there 700km north along the Rota Vicentina to Lisbon and the north of Portugal. This route will be identified by the end of November 2015 and there needs to be validation/buy-in from the local authorities. The route would likely the Rota Vicentina Historical Way but not on the same route to avoid user conflict and carrying capacity issues.

52 Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

The EuroVelo 1 project is being prepared by Conseil Général des Pyrénées Atlantiques and involving European Cycling Federation and all the relevant countries. It is likely that there will be around €1m funding for the Portuguese section. The project will be supported by AMAL, municipal councils, Turismo do Algarve, ATA and possibly Turismo do Portugal who will focus on:  Project management  Development of a stakeholder organisation including private sector  Make EV1 a memorable destination of excellence  Make cycling trips on EV1 easy and attractive (services and signage)  Make the success visible through quantified economic evaluation

In the short term to enable the project there needs to be provision of basic information to manage the expectations of those arriving and undertaking the route. The easiest way is to provide a website and to provide online information on alternative routes to the N125 segments. In the mid-term, and in tandem with the French there needs to be marketing, monitoring, social media and upskilling of businesses along the route (enabling friendly communities). The cost for this would be around €170,000 some of which could be sourced from European funding. Both the Algarve Tourism Association (ATA) and Turismo do Algarve have buy-in to the Ecovia and are providing €100,000 towards social media, and promotion. The reality is that people’s expectations need to be managed as many are already doing the route. Providing signage for the whole route would cost around €400,000.

In the long term the Ecovia should also be part of the 6,000km Eurovelo #8 (Mediterranean Route) from Cyprus to Cape St Vincent24. The European Cycling Federation have said the Ecovia could be part of two Eurovelo routes.

The best section of the route now is the Villa Real do Santo Antonio to Brias do Sul to the west of Olhao. This is around 70km i.e. a day ride. This would require additional signage but could be launched as a Phase 1.

An indicative timescale, with sufficient financial resources, would be: Q1/2 2016: Commission online version of current useable route with downloadable GPS tracks and optimum route from Paulo Guerra dos Santos or similar. Q3/4 2016 – end 2017: Develop new signage standard for Ecovia and implement Q3/4 2016 – end 2019: Activate new marketing tools including website, maps and guides.

Mountain-biking: There are three long distance mountain-biking routes in the Algarve – the Via Algarviana, the Grande Rota do Guadiana and the Historical Way on the Rota Vicentina can be completed on a mountain-bike by an intermediate rider.

24 http://www.eurovelo8.com/stages

53 Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

The Via Algarviana website and guidebook include information, including GPS, for the mountain-biking route. It is recommended that the route is ridden from Alcoutim to the Cape and completed over 5 days. The recommended stages are shown below in Figure 36.

Figure 36: Via Algarviana MTB Stages Stage Distance Accumulated Accumulated Ascent (m) Descent (m) Alcoutim-Vaqueiros 58.8 1583 1352 Vaqueiros-Salir 58.88 2325 2317 Salir-Silves 63.1 1708 1950 Silves-Marmelete 42.9 2083 1709 Marmalete-Cabo 77.84 1140 1489 S.Vicente

4.3.2. Local Cycling Routes

Touring/road: There are no official local road cycling routes. There are a range of routes promoted by local operators/companies and in publications such as ‘Cycling the Algarve’25. One of the routes in this guide book, shown below in Figure 37, is a 329km six-day touring circuit through the western half of the region which includes overnight stops, rides through quiet countryside and forested hills, visits to beaches and dramatic coastal scenery. The sectors for this ride which starts and finishes in Silves, include:  Silves-Monchique 37km  Monchique-Zambujeira 53.5km  Zambujeira-Aljezur 49.5km  Aljezur-Sagres 60.3km  Sagres-Lagos 54.7km  Lagos-Silves 73.5km

This guide also indicates ten day rides at Aljezur, Boliqueime, Lagos, Mexilhoeira Grande, Monchique, Silves and Zambujeira.

From undertaking the product audit it can be observed that the quality of the road surface in much of the rural hinterland of the Algarve in combination with a relative lack of traffic, provide very good conditions for the development of rural long distance cycle routes.

25 Cycling the Algarve, Huw Thomas, Pedal Portugal, 2015

54 Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 37: Algarve Touring Circuit (Pedal Portugal)

Mountain-biking routes: There are at least 37 signposted local mountain-biking routes in the Algarve region:  19 of the Odiana walking routes can also be completed by mountain-bike (see Figure 49 below)  11 of the Via Algarviana Complementary Paths can be used by mountain- bikes (all except PR2 PTM) (see Figure 37 above)  3 of the Via Algarviana thematic routes can be completed by mountain-bike – Rota da Geologica: Trail 2 – Foia and surrounding area (15.3km) and Rota das Arvores Monumentais: Picota Circuit (27km) and Foia Circuit (17km)  Loule Municipal Council have published a guide to mountain-biking (BTT) routes within their area. This guide indicates four trails as shown in Figure 38, below. These are all loop trails, are all signposted and can be completed all year round.

Figure 38: BTT Routes in Loule Municipality Route Distance Time Ameixial 26km 1.5 hours Salir 17km 1 hour Cortelha 25km/14km 3hours/2 hours Querenca 22.5km 2 hours

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4.3.3. Cycling Events

The Volta do Algarve (Tour of the Algarve) is a 5-stage 783km competitive road race that has been staged since 1960 with 41 editions, as of 2015. This event was last staged over 18-22nd February 2015.

Stage 1 Lagos-Albufeira 167km

Stage 2 Lagoa-Monchique 197km

56 Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Stage 3 Vila do Bispo-Cabo de Sao Vicente 19km

Stage 4 Tavira-Malhao 216km

Stage 5 Almodovar-Vilamoura 184km

Total distance 783km

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There were twenty-two teams of eight (176) riders starting the race in 2015.

Issues and Opportunities:

The Volta do Algarve is part of the international racing circuit with many international teams taking part as a training for the Spring Classic races. Turismo do Algarve have been criticised for not investing to ensure the Volta do Algarve has been shown on Eurosport since 2012 given this would include significant aerial video of the Algarve region26.

4.3.4. Bike Rental

 Abilio Bikes – based in Tavira in the eastern Algarve. Has a range of machines to rent by the day or month.  Sport Nautica – based at Tavira  Formosar – based at Faro  Bikawish – based at Vilamoura  Bikeland – based near Vilamoura  East Algarve Bike Hire – based at Monto Gordo  Fun River – based at Alcoutim, has around 20 road bikes and 4 mountain bikes, plus kayaks. Can arrange one way drop off to VR do Santo Antonio.  Algarve Adventure – mountain bikes only but includes delivery.  Algarve Bike Hire – based in Armacao de Pera, a small town to the west of Albufeira. Has road bikes and tourers as well as hybrids, mountain and city bikes for hire. Offers a delivery and collection service for the whole of the Algarve (free for immediate area, charge for wider area).  Avalanche – bike shop at São Brás de Alportel (north of Faro) that also offers bike hire and free delivery in a 25km radius of the town. Has mountain bikes or a choice of carbon or aluminium frame road bikes.  Easy Go Electric Bikes – a new company based in Lagos, free delivery of electric bikes within a 10km radius.  Mountain Bike Adventure – based at Lagos  MegaSport – based near Loule (north of Faro) offers Giant road and town/hybrid bikes – plus tandems (although these are more ‘fun’ rides than serious machines). Delivers free within the Algarve.  Funbike – based at Boliqueime, north-east of Albufeira. Despite the name, they have ‘serious’ mountain bikes and road bikes for hire.  Lisa Bikes – based in Estoi (north of Faro) and has road, MTB and ‘touring’ (hybrid) bikes to rent (including children’s bikes). Also has electric bikes. The company also offers a range of cycle tours, both based based from one location or touring the region.  Alternativtour – based at Monchique

26 Consultation with Thomas Swift Metcalfe, October 2015

58 Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

 Sagres Nautica – based at Sagres

4.3.5. Regional Mountain-Biking Centre

The Portuguese Cycling Federation is currently selecting a site for a regional BTT centre in the Algarve. Centros de BTT is a national project and have developed 10+ centres in the north. There is a website and they are planning ones in Monchique and Sao Bras de Alportel.

4.4. Walking Routes

The Algarve contains walking trails of such range and quality that they enable international comparison. While each of the mountain areas are individually renowned for walking, once the areas are grouped together it can be seen that this region is exceptionally well endowed with walking trails from short walks to loop and linear walks that take a few hours up to long distance multi-day walking routes that take in outstanding views and historical features.

4.4.1. Regional Walking Routes

There are three long distance walking routes in the Algarve; Rota Vicentina, Via Algarviana and the recently opened Grande Rota do Guadiana. The towns and villages and the start and end of each stage are the places which will benefit most from increased numbers of walkers and cyclists on each route. These routes, towns and villages are shown on Map 2.

Rota Vicentina

Trail Information: The Rota Vicentina is a corridor of activity along the Costa Vicentina on the Algarve’s west coast. The route consist of two main trails, the Fisherman’s Trail which runs from Porto Covo in Alentjo to Odeceixe in the Algarve and its 5 complementary circuits, the Historical Trail which runs from Santiago do Cacem in Alentjo to Cabo Sao Vicente in the Algarve, and five circular routes. While Casas Brancas, the earlier version of Rota Vicentina Association, was started in 2002 work to implement infrastructure on the trails did not begin until 2008 and took 3 years. Rota Vicentina officially opened in 2012. The Rota Vicentina consists of two trails:  The Fisherman’s Trail - follows the coast along cliff top paths traditionally used by fishermen and is located within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park. It comprises a total of 4 sections and 5 complementary circuits, totalling 120 km.

59 Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

 The Historical Way - follows trails used by pilgrims, travellers and locals on their journeys throughout the region. This trail is fully accessible to hikers and mountain bikers, with stretches of cork tree forests, mountain ranges, valleys and rivers. It comprises a total of 12 sections and 230 km.

Figure 39: Rota Vicentina

There are four stages to the Fisherman’s Trail and four additional complementary circuits as shown in Figures 40 and 41 below.

Figure 40: Fisherman’s Trail Stages Stage Start/end destinations Distance (km) 1 Porto Covo – Vila Nova de 20 Milfontes 2 Vila Nova de Milfontes - 15 Amograve 3 Almograve – Zambujeira do 22 Mar 4 Zambujeira do Mar - Odeceixe 18

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Figure 41: Fishermen’s Trail Complementary Circuits Circuit Name Distance (km) 1 Circuito Praia de Odeceixe 9 2 Circuito Praia da Amoreira 6 3 Circuito Ponta da Atalaia 14 4 Circuito Pontal da 10 Carrapateira 5 Circuito Praia do Telheiro 6

There are 12 stages on the Historical Way as shown in Figure 42 below.

Figure 42: Historical Way Stages Stage Start/end destinations Distance (km) 1 Santiago do Cacem – Vale 18 Seco 2 Vale Seco – Cercal do Alentjo 23 3 Cercal do Alentjo – Porto Covo 18 (link to Fisherman’s Trail) 4 Cercal do Alentejo – S.Luis 21 5 S.Luis - Odemeira 25 6 Odemeira – S.Teotonio 19 7 S.Teotonio - Odeceixe 17 8 Odeceixe - Aljezur 18 9 Aljezur - Arrifana 12 10 Arrifana - Carrapateira 24 11 Carrapateira – Vila do Bispo 22 12 Vila do Bispo – Cabo de 14 S.Vicente

Circular Routes: There are five short loop routes at Almograve, S. Luís, Troviscais, Santa Clara and Sabóia in Alentjo. These are 3.5km to 13km in length. Management organisation/funding: Rota Vicentina Association for the Promotion of Nature Tourism in the Alentejo and Vicentina Coast (www.rotavicentina.com), is a non-profit organisation founded in June 2013 that is responsible for the project Rota Vicentina. The association Casas Brancas was the coordinator of the project in its implementation phase, in partnership with the association Almargem, the local municipalities and parish councils, local and regional entities, companies and individuals that have supported the project and made it a viable proposition. This is the most significant network of public and private partners, united in a joint initiative in the region.

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Rota Vicentina Association (RVA) is seen as more inclusive than Casas Brancas and now has over 150 members with more applying to join every week. Members include accommodation providers, tour operators and taxi companies. Membership fees are now almost double the amount of annual public sector funding from municipal councils meaning the RVA business model is becoming increasingly sustainable. The amount each local authority pays is based on the number of stage stops (overnight stops) they have in their area with a minimum of 3 as this is where people stay and where councils generate the most income from visitors. Funding also comes from sponsorship e.g. Europcar.

Maintenance of the trail is underpinned by a strong volunteer network who sponsor a section of 20km+ and walk it twice a year, reporting problems or carrying out maintenance themselves. Significant maintenance is undertaken by the municipal councils.

The objectives of the Rota Vicentina Association are to:  Establish south-west Portugal as an international nature tourism destination, raising awareness of the environmental and cultural significance of the region  Regulate the passage of walkers through environmentally sensitive areas  Consolidate development network (companies, institutions, population)  Present the region with a public infrastructure for the enjoyment of nature, getting tourists close to the local population  Stimulate the existing offer during the medium/low season and contribute to the sustainability of rural areas by creating new business opportunities27

Signage: The Rota Vicentina has very high quality directional, orientation and interpretation signage. There are 26 interpretation panels in villages - the start/end points of 22 sections and on 5 loop trails. Information available: Very high quality and highly informative website with maps available to download in all formats for all sections including GPS, GPX and KMZ formats for use in Google Earth and Google Maps. High quality printed maps and guides are also available. Innovative features of the website include online booking facility for accommodation; and an itinerary planner linked to an algorithm that suggests an itinerary based on the user profile and length of stay. Visitor data available: None available

27 Rota Vicentina Association, 2015

62 Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Key issues & opportunities:  Although all of the Historical Way can be cycled Rota Vicentina Association prefer not to promote this due to the potential for user conflict. This means there is a need for a complementary cycle route in response to significant demand.  Rota Vicentina Association aim to extend the Rota Vicentina to Lagos in the next two years. This would enable visitors to fly to Faro and get the train to Lagos and the start of the Rota Vicentina.  A lack of visitor data makes prioritised investment difficult. Numerical, qualitative and carrying capacity monitoring would enable RVA to work with sponsors, media and EU funds – it would provide justification for investment. A baseline socio-economic study and carrying capacity study are considered essential.  While the route has world class information provision it currently lacks an app to provide information on what can be seen and done.

Via Algarviana

Trail Information: Via Algarviana (GR13) is a 300km walking and mountain-biking route from near the Guadiana River at Alcoutim in the Algarve’s north-east to Cabo Sao Vicente in the south-west. The route runs through the mountains of Serra do Caldeirão and Serra de Monchique. The concept of Via Algarviana was begun as a collaborative effort between Almargem and the local group Algarve Walkers in 1995 but the trail was not completed until 2009. The path has its origins in an old religious trail followed by pilgrims heading for the Sagres promontory, where the relics of St. Vincent were found.

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Figure 43: Via Algarviana Route Map

Stages: There are 14 stages to the Via Algarviana, some of which can be combined depending on the fitness of the walker as shown in Figure 44 below.

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Figure 44: Via Algarviana Stages Stage Start/end destinations Distance Time (approx.) 1 Alcoutim to Balcuros 24.2km 7 hours 2 Balcuros to Furnazinhas 14.3km 4 hours 3 Furnazinhas to Vaqueiros 20.3km 6 hours 4 Vaqueiros to Cachopo 14.88km 4 hours 5 Cachopo to Barranco do 29.10km 8 hours Velho 6 Barranco do Velho to Salir 14.9km 5 hours 7 Salir to Alte 16.2km 7 hours 8 Alte28 to Messines 19.3km 5 hours 9 Messines to Silves 27.6km 8 hours 10 Silves to Monchique 28.6km 8 hours 11 Monchique to Marmelete 14.7km 4 hours 12 Marmelete to Bensafrim 30km 7 hours 13 Bensafrim to Vila do Bispo 30.19km 8 hours 14 Vila do Bispo to Cabo 16.6km 5 hours S.Vicente Total 300.87

Links: There are now 5 linking trails which connect the Via Algarviana to nearby urban settlements and train stations. These include:  Link 1: Parises - São Brás de Alportel 18.4km 5 hours  Link 2: Loule Train station – Salir 28.2km 7 hours  Link 3: Train station of Mexilhoeira Grande – Monchique 25.4km 6.5 hours  Link 4: Train station of Lagos – Bensafrim 10.1km 2.5 hours  Link 5: Marmelete – Aljezur 18.6km 5 hours

Complementary Routes: There are 12 looped trails promoted along with the Via Algarviana, with good quality printed maps. These routes, are shown in Figure 45 below, with those in bold starting alongside the Via Algarviana. The location of these routes is also shown on Map 2.

28 Via Algarviana official guide book incorrectly refers to this stage as Salir-Messines, page 63

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Figure 45: Complementary Routes on the Via Algarviana Reference Name Start/end point Distance/Time PR9 CTM Percurso Pedestre “Mina e Furnazinhas 7.7km/2-3 hours Albufeira” PR10 CTM Percurso Pedestre Furnazinhas 7.8km/2-3 hours “Barrancos” PR1 SLV Percurso Pedestre Cultural São Bartolomeu de 12.5km/3-4 hours de São Bartolomeu de Messines Messines PR1 PTM Percurso Pedestre “A Mexilhoeira 7.5km/2 hours Rocha Delicada” Grande PR2 PTM Percurso Pedestre “Ao Alvor 4.7km/1.5 hours Sabor da Maré” PR2 MCQ Caminho das Caldas - Caldas near 18km/5 hours Picota Monchique PR3 MCQ Trilho da Fóia Fóia 6.5km/2 hours PR4 MCQ Trilho dos Moinhos Monchique 10.3km/3hours PR5 MCQ Percurso Pedestre das Fóia 17km/5 hours Cascatas PR6 MCQ Percurso Pedestre de Marmelete 8.4km/2.5-3 hours Marmelete PR1 LGS Percurso Pedestre "Pedra B. S. João National 6.1km/1.5 hours do Galo" Forest Crossroad PR4 VBP Percurso Pedestre "Pelas Raposeira 13.7km/4 hours or Encostas da Raposeira" 18.2/5 hours

In order to increase the attractiveness of Via Algarviana (GR13) four new thematic routes with twelve walks were developed with associated directional, interpretive signs and very informative digital guides, these are shown in Figure 46, below. These include:  Rota do Contrabandista (Alcoutim)  Rota da Água (Loulé)  Rota das Árvores Monumentais (Monchique)  Rota da Geologia (Monchique)29

29 http://www.viaalgarviana.org/index.php/guias-rotas-tematicas/?lang=en

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Figure 46: Via Algarviana Thematic Routes Rota do Walking Route of Alcoutim 5.5km/2.5 hours Contrabandista Lourinhã Walking Route of Pontal Viewpoint 6km/3 hours Pontal Rota do Agua Walking Route of Bus stop square at 3.6km Olho Pariz Amendoeira Walking Route of Fonte Benémola 1.3km Benémola Walking Route of Barranco do 5km Barranco do Velho Velho Walking Route of Moinho da 0.4km Chavachã Chavachã Walking Route of Near Almarginho 3.6km Almarginho Rota da Agua Trail 1 - Marmelete Marmelete 6.22km Trail 2 – Foia and Near Fóia 15.3km surrounding area Rota das Town Circuit Monchique 6.3km Arvores Picota Circuit Tourist Office 27km Monumentais Foia Circuit 17km

Management organisation/Funding: The Via Algarviana is managed by Almargem and mainly dependent on funding from Municipal Councils with some grant funding from Turismo do Algarve. Signage: The Via Algarviana is signposted with directional sign poles and arrows and interpretation panels. These all use the GR13 identification. Interpretation panels are installed at the beginning and end of each sector to inform walkers about the natural and cultural heritage, and accommodation and food available. Information available: Detailed maps and guidebook available from Almargem, website for the route available at www.viaalgarviana.org which also hosts links for downloading 14 sector maps, 5 link maps, 12 Pequenas Rotas maps, and 4 thematic routes. The guide for Via Algarviana and GPS track can also be downloaded from the website. Visitor data available: None available

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Key issues & opportunities:  Almargem have received two tranches of European funding for the Via Algarviana and would be unlikely to gain a third. A sustainable funding model is needed, similar to Rota Vicentina Association.  Lack of accommodation options, particularly in the east.  Lack of visitor data means investment cannot be prioritised  Need for more & upgraded signage  The website would benefit from investment & upgrading and better imagery, more information on accommodation including booking options, and more information on public transport with timetables.

Grande Rota do Guadiana

Trail Information: The Grande Rota Do Guadiana (GR15) runs 65k from Alcoutim to Villa Real de Santo Antonio along the Guadiana River. The route was launched in November 2014. The trail was developed by Odiana Association which is funded as a rural development association by the municipal councils of Alcoutim, Castro Marim and VR. De Santo Antonio. Odiana also manage 19 walking routes which can also be mountain-biked, as can the Grande Rota do Guadiana. The trail does not follow the line of the river due to a requirement by the municipal councils that only public land be used. This has meant 19.5% of the route is on-road.

68 Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 47: Grande Rota do Guadiana route

Source: http://pt.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=8376543

Stages: There is a lack of online information regarding recommended stages, services, accommodation or activities along the route. There are no defined stages for the route. Circuits: There are eight shorter circuits along the Grande Rota do Guadiana, also managed by Odiana Association. Management organisation: Odiana Association were responsible for the route development and are now responsible, along with the municipal councils, for trail maintenance. Information available: While a map of the trail is available at http://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=8376543# there is no printed map, downloadable maps, guides or website available. Signage: The trail has high quality directional and orientation signage. Visitor data available: None available

69 Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Key issues & opportunities:  Odiana would like to see the Grande Rota do Guadiana expand to the north into Alentjo They already have an agreement with Alentjo for this. The link would link to the Camino do Santiago, and to an area with different identity, environment, people and gastronomy.  Funding for development and promotion is difficult as Odiana cannot become an associative model like RVA due to it being funded by the public sector.  Need for visitor monitoring to enable targeted investment and to attract development funding.  Alcoutim Municipal Council plan to develop a cycle route to the border with Castro Marim Municipal Council – opening the opportunity for a cycle route that follows the route of the Grande Rota do Guadiana making it a corridor of activity as with Rota Vicentina.  Key priorities for Odiana in relation to the Grande Rota do Guadiana would be the development of an app, a high definition promotional video, high quality maps, and increased attendance at trade fairs to promote the trail.

4.4.2. Local Walking Routes

There are a significant number of local walking routes ranging from thirty minutes to a full day.

Thirty-four trails are promoted via Turismo do Algarve’s publication ‘Guide to Walking Trails in the Algarve’ which are shown in Figure 48 below. This selection of walks includes ones managed by Odiana Association, In Loco, INCF and several municipal councils or combinations of these entities. While the prioritising of walks could make sense there are several issues with this publication including:  Poor quality publication: The publication is not of sufficient quality to allow international comparison – the maps are unclear and starting points of walks are, in general, impossible to find without associated use of GPS. The publication has included a great deal of text and images but does not include information that is of most value to walkers such as accommodation or profile data.  Poor quality signage: Most walks apart from those managed by Odiana lack either orientation signage, directional signage or both. In some cases where interpretative signage has been installed this has been installed facing the sun and has burnt away e.g. Nature Discovery Trail of the Marim Environmental Centre. In many cases orientation signage has been installed but there is no associated directional signage meaning visitors, having found the start of the walk, do not know which way to go.  Many walks are not located in close proximity to settlements or visitor hubs. This is where the most economic benefit is likely to be realised, where infrastructure should be concentrated, and where marketing efforts focussed.

70 Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

 Many existing walks have not been included in this publication such as:

 Twelve of the nineteen Odiana Association routes (see Figure 49 below for Odiana routes)  Seven of the nine In Loco Association routes (see Figure 50 below for In Loco routes)  Five links and some of the twelve circuits on the Via Algarviana;  Five loops on the Fisherman’s Trail on the Rota Vicentina  Coastal walks such as Lagos to Salema, Salema to Sagres and Carvoeiro to Benagil – which include some of the most scenic coastal walking in the Algarve  Many Pequenas Rotas (PR routes) developed by the sixteen municipal councils. Some of the walks developed by Loule Municipal Council have been included in a publication by them which also includes four mountain- biking routes. The walking routes are shown in Figure 48 below.

71 Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 48: Walking Routes Promoted in Turismo do Algarve’s ‘Guide to Walking Trails in the Algarve’ Type of walk Name Town/Municipality Distance/Tim Responsibility Associated Long Distance (loop/linear)/User e Trail (walk/MTB/horse) West Coast Loop - walk Trail of Aromas Borderia, Aljezur 14km/4.5hrs Borderia Parish Office Rota Vicentina Loop - Trail of Tides Carrapateira, Aljezur 19km/7hrs Borderia Parish Office Rota Vicentina walk/MTB/horse Loop - walk Casteljo Casteljo Environmental 3.5km/1hr30 Vila do Bispo Parish Office Rota Vicentina/Via Environmental Area, Vila do Bispo Algarviana Trail The South Coast Loop - walk At the Whim of the Alvor, Portimao 5km/2hr Portimao Municipal Ecovia do Litoral Tides Council Loop - walk Rocha Delicada Quinta da Rocha, 7km/2hr Portimao Municipal Ecovia do Litoral Trail Portimao Council Linear - walk Praia Grande Praia Grande, Silves 5.5km/2hr CCDR-Algarve Via Algarviana Interpretation Trail Linear - walk Sao Lourenco Trail Quinta do Lago, Loule 3.4km/1hr30 Quinta do Lago, Loule Via Algarviana Municipal Council, PNRF and Infraquinta Linear - walk Ilha da Cultura Ilha da Cultura, Faro 5.6km/2hr Ria Formosa Natural park, Ecovia do Litoral Trail Faro Municipal Council, Ambifaro Loop - walk Nature Discovery Quinta da Marim, Olhao 3km/1hr30 ICNF (Ria Formosa Natural Ecovia do Litoral Trail of the Marim Park) Environmental Centre

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Type of walk Name Town/Municipality Distance/Tim Responsibility Associated Long Distance (loop/linear)/User e Trail (walk/MTB/horse) Linear - walk Praia do Barril Trail Pedras d'El Rei, Tavira 3km/1hr15 Tavira Municipal Council Ecovia do Litoral and ICN (Ria Formosa Natural Park) Barrocal Linear - walk Sitio das Fontes Sitio das Fontes, Lagoa 1.2km/30mins Lagoa Municipal Council No Municipal Park Trail Loop - walk Paderne Castle Paderne, Albufeira 4.5km/1hr30 CCDR-Algarve No Trail Loop - walk Cerro de Sao Paderne, Albufeira 11km/3hr30 Albufeira Municipal No Vicente Trail Council Loop - walk Rocha da Pena Rocha da Pena, Loule 6.4km/2hr Loule Municipal Council Via Algarviana Trail Loop - walk Fonte Benemola Fonte Benemola, Loule 4.4km/1hr30 Loule Municipal Council Via Algarviana Trail Loop - walk A Walk to the Fonte de Mesquita, Sao 9km/3hr Sao Bras de Alportel No Spring Bras de Alportel Municipal Council Serra Loop - walk Discovering the Mata de Barao de Sao 12km/4hr Lagos Municipal Council Via Algarviana Forest - Red Trail Joao, Lagos Loop - walk Discovering the Mata de Barao de Sao 6km/2hr Lagos Municipal Council Via Algarviana Forest - Lilac Trail Joao, Lagos Loop - walk Foia Trail Foia, Monchique 7km/2hr30 Monchique Municipal Via Algarviana Council Loop - walk Lagoao Trail Sao Marcos da Serra, 10km/3hr30 Silves Municipal Council Via Algarviana Silves

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Type of walk Name Town/Municipality Distance/Tim Responsibility Associated Long Distance (loop/linear)/User e Trail (walk/MTB/horse) Loop - walk Masmorra Trail Mealha, Tavira 5.5km/2hr In Loco Association and No Tavira Municipal Council Loop - walk D.Quixote Trail Casas Baixas, Tavira 17km/6hr In Loco Association and Via Algarviana Tavira Municipal Council Loop - walk Reserva Trail Feiteira, Tavira 5.2km/2hrs In Loco Association and Via Algarviana Tavira Municipal Council Loop - walk Barranco das Cabanas, Sao Bras de 5.5km/2hr Sao Bras de Alportel No Lajes Trail Alportel Municipal Council Loop - walk Between Valleys, Parises, Sao Bras de 20km/7hrs Sao Bras de Alportel No Springs and Alportel Municipal Council Memories of the Serra do Caldeirao Guadiana Loop - walk/MTB Uphill, downhill Vaqueiros, Alcoutim 13km/4hr30 Odiana Association and Grande Rota do Alcoutim Municipal Guadiana Council Loop - walk/MTB Ladeiras do Miradouro do Pontal, 13.5km/4hr30 Odiana Association and Grande Rota do Pontol Alcoutim Alcoutim Municipal Guadiana Council Loop - walk Flow Flow, Laranjeiras, Alcoutim 8.5km/3hr Odiana Association and Grande Rota do Guadiana Alcoutim Municipal Guadiana Council Loop - walk/MTB Terras da Ordem Terras da Ordem 12.5km/4hr Odiana Association and Grande Rota do Trail National Forest, Castro Alcoutim Municipal Guadiana Marim Council

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Type of walk Name Town/Municipality Distance/Tim Responsibility Associated Long Distance (loop/linear)/User e Trail (walk/MTB/horse) Loop - walk/MTB Amendoeira Trail Alta Mora, Castro Marim 11km/4hr Odiana Association and Grande Rota do Alcoutim Municipal Guadiana Council Loop - walk/MTB A window on the Azinhal, Castro Marim 7.5km/2hr30 Odiana Association and Grande Rota do Guadiana Alcoutim Municipal Guadiana Council Linear - walk/MTB Venta Moinhos Interpretation Centre, 7km/2hr Nature Reserve of the Grande Rota do salt-marsh Trail Castro Marim Castro Marim and Vila Real Guadiana de Santo Antonio Salt Marsh and the Castro Marim Municipal Council Loop - walk/MTB Boa Vista Trail Corte Antonio 9km/3hr Odiana Association and No Mountains, Vila Real de Alcoutim Municipal Santo Antonio Council

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 49: Walks & BTT routes developed and managed by Odiana Association Name Location Distance Mode Link with Long Distance Trail Alcoutim PR1 Corre, Core Guadiana Larenjeiras 8km Walk/BTT Grande Rota do Guadiana PR2 Ladeiras do Pontal Alcoutim 14km Walk/BTT Grande Rota do Guadiana/Via Algarviana PR3 Os Encantos de Alcoutim Alcoutim 4km Walk/BTT Grande Rota do Guadiana/Via (The Delights of Alcoutim) Algarviana PR4 Caminhos da Fonte (The Aldeia do 10km Walk/BTT No Fountain Route) Pereiro PR5 O Vicoso Gioes 12km Walk/BTT No PR6 Memoria Viva (Living Martinlongo 13km Walk/BTT No Memory) PR7 Cerro Acima, Cerro Vaqueiros 13km Walk/BTT No Abaixo (Up the Hill, Down the Hill) PR8 Em Busca do Vale Vaquerios 13km Walk/BTT Via Algarviana Encantado (In Search of the Enchanted Valley) Castro Marim PR1 Do Passado ao Presente Castro Marim 3km Walk/BTT Grande Rota do Guadiana (From the Past to the Present) PR2 Circuito do Beliche Beliche 7km Walk/BTT No (Circuit of Beliche) PR3 Uma janela paro o Azinhal 6km Walk/BTT Grande Rota do Guadiana Guadiana

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Name Location Distance Mode Link with Long Distance Trail PR4 Odeleite de Perto e de Odeleite 11km Walk/BTT Grande Rota do Guadiana Longe PR5 Terras da Ordem Odeleite 12km Walk/BTT Grande Rota do Guadiana PR6 Canaviais Barranco do Corte 7km Walk/BTT No Ribeirao Pequena PR7 Caminhos da Cabra Cruz de Alta 15km Walk/BTT No Algarvia Mora PR8 Caminho da Cruz de Alta 11km Walk/BTT No Amendoeira Mora Vila Real Santo Antonio PR1 Boa Vista Corte Antonio 10km Walk/BTT No Martins PR2 Quintas de Cacela Villa Nova de 7.5km Walk/BTT No Cacela PR3 Passeio Pombalino Villa Real do 3km Walk Grande Rota do Guadiana/Ecovia do (Pombaline Walk) Santo Antonio Litoral

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 50: Walks developed and managed by In Loco Association Name Location Distance Mode Link with Long Distance Trail PR1 Don Quixote Walk Casas Baixas 16.9/10.5km Walk Via Algarviana PR2 Fonte da Zorra Walk Casas Baixas 5km Walk Via Algarviana PR3 Montes Serranos Walk Casas Baixas 9km Walk Via Algarviana PR4 Cerros da Sobro Walk Feiteira 14.3km Walk Via Algarviana PR5 The Reserve Feiteira 6km Walk Via Algarviana PR6 Malhanito Feiteira 9km Walk Via Algarviana PR7 Vale das Hortes Mealha 13.5km Walk No PR8 Masmorra Mealha 6km Walk No PR9 Burial Chamber of Pedras Altas Mealha 10km Walk No

Figure 51: Walks developed by Loule Municipal Council Name Location Distance Mode Pe do Coelho Pe de Coelho 8.5km Walk Rocha da Pena Pena 5km Walk Barranco do Velho Barranco do Velho 5.5km Walk Tor Tor 5km Walk Querenca Querenca 9km Walk Fonte Benemola Querenca 4.5km Walk Azinhal dos Mouros Azinhal dos Mouros 13km Walk Revezes Ameixhal 12.5km Walk Montes Novos Montes Novos 9km Walk Vale da Rosa Vale da Rosa 9km Walk Parque Natural da Ria Quinta do Lago 9km Walk Formosa

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

4.4.3. Town Trails

There are town trails in Loule, Faro and Villa Real de Santo Antonio which have some information available in terms of printed maps but have not been signposted. Given the historical natural of many cities and towns in the Algarve there is significant potential for the development of historic town trails.

4.5. Critical Evaluation of Facilities and Product Providers

4.5.1. Visitor Accommodation

There is a wide range of visitor accommodation in the Algarve. This includes  Hotels  Self-catering  Privately owned holiday homes and apartments

The number and locations of hotels are shown below in Figure 52. This shows the primary hotel accommodation centres are Albureria/Olhos d'Água, Lagos, Vilamoura/Quarteira, Monto Gordo, Portimao, Faro, Alvor, Carvoeiro, Almancil, Porches and Monchique.

Observations are that, as expected the greatest concentration of accommodation is located along the southern coast and primarily between Quarteria/Vilamoura and Lagos. Albureria/Olhos d'Água has the greatest concentration of hotels with 52 hotels and resorts.

Figure 52: Hotels and Resorts in the Algarve Area 1* 2* 3* 4* 5* 3* 4* 5* Total Hotel Hotel Hotel Hotel Hotel Resort Resort Resort Albufeira 8 12 13 2 1 4 2 42 Lagos 3 4 4 2 13 Vilamoura 4 7 1 1 13 Monto Gordo 9 2 11 Portimao 3 2 3 1 1 11 Faro 1 5 2 2 10 Olhos d'Água 4 4 2 10 Quarteira 6 2 8 Alvor 6 2 8 Carvoeiro 5 2 7 Almancil 1 3 2 6 Porches 1 3 1 1 6 Monchique 2 1 1 2 6 Sagres 1 3 1 5 Praia da Rocha 2 2 1 5

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Area 1* 2* 3* 4* 5* 3* 4* 5* Total Hotel Hotel Hotel Hotel Hotel Resort Resort Resort Tavira 3 1 4 Olhão 3 3 Quinta do Logo 1 1 1 3 Armação de 2 1 3 Pêra Aljezur 2 2 Altura 1 1 1 2 Loule 1 1 2 Praia Verde 2 2 Vila Real de 1 1 2 S.Antonio Alcantarilha 1 1 Alte 1 1 Boliqueme 1 1 Burgau 1 1 Estrela do Vau 1 1 Faro Aeroporto 1 1 Ferragudo 1 1 Luz 1 1 Manta Rota 1 1 Moncarapacho 1 1 1 Montechoro 1 1 Montenegro 1 1 (Faro) Pechão 1 1 Praia do 1 1 Carvoeiro Praia do Vau 1 1 Rogil 1 1 Salema 1 1 Santo Estevão - 1 1 Tavira São Clemente 1 1 Silves 1 1 Vale do Lobo 1 1 Vila do Bispo 1 1 Total 6 31 60 67 29 1 8 7 Source: Turismo do Algarve

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

4.5.2. Visitor information centres

There are 20 visitor information centres in the Algarve, operated by Turismo do Algarve. These are located at:  Posto de Informação Municipal de Faro  Turismo de Aeroporto Internacional  Posto de Informação Municipal de Lagos  Posto de Informação Municipal de Querença  Posto de Informação Municipal de Salir  Posto de Informação Municipal de Albufeira  Posto de Informação Municipal de Portimao  Posto de Turismo de Alcoutim  Posto de Turismo de Castro Marim  Posto de Turismo de Monchique  Posto de Turismo de Sagres  Posto de Turismo de São Brás de Alportel  Posto de Turismo de Silves  Posto de Turismo Loulé  Posto de Turismo Tavira  Posto de Turismo Vila Real de Santo Antonio  Posto de Turismo de Carvoeiro  Posto de Turismo de Praia da Rocha  Posto de Turismo de Lagos  Posto de Turismo de Aljezur

Many of these close for long lunch breaks and the quality of information on offer and local knowledge with regards to the cycling and walking product offer varies between each office.

In many office visitors are not being advised to complete the Ecovia do Litoral due to its incompleteness. In general for walking trail information walkers are being referred to the Turismo do Algarve walking trail publication which has several issues, please see section 2.5.2 above.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

4.6. Walking Routes Conclusions

Conclusions that can be made from the walking product analysis are that:  The Algarve has some world class walking trails. The variety of the scenery from the wild and scenic west coast to the tranquil Ria Formosa and the beautiful Guadiana river valley make for a significant resource. The development of three multi-day walking trails, along the east and west coast and diagonally across the country through spectacular mountain scenery and traditional villages provides great variety of recreational opportunity.  There are significant issues and variance of quality in implementation. The Rota Vicentina trails are difficult to fault in terms of implementation with the quality of the trails, signage, website, maps and guides as well thought through as the overall management and promotion of the trail network. The Via Algarviana has great potential and while tremendous work is being done with the minimal resources available, a focussed programme of investment is required to enable this trail network to reach both its obvious potential both as a recreational resource and a means of enhancing rural livelihoods. A means of providing sustainable long term funding through use of an associative model, similar to Rota Vicentina, would help place the trail on secure footing. The Grande Rota do Guadiana has been implemented well by Odiana Association who have a well-earned reputation for the development of well managed trails. However with almost 20% of the trail on tarmac road surface, further consideration of agreements with local landowners to reduce this proportion could bring the trail closer to the river Guadiana and make it a more attractive proposition for tour operators.  There are many local walking routes which are managed by many organisations with varying quality of infrastructure and signage. These include rural development agencies such as Odiana Association, In Loco; agencies managing the long distance trails such as Almargem and Rota Vicentina Association; state bodies such as INCF; municipal councils; and CCDR- Algarve.  There is no single database of all of these walking routes and no way for visitors to consider which walk would suit them best e.g. family friendly routes.  There is no standardisation of approach to signage or to trail surfacing/grading.  The official print publication for walking trails is not fit for purpose. While it is accepted that a selection had to be made to enable a shortlist for a publication, it is likely that print media is not the optimum format for the primary promotion of walking trails, given the need to update information, and to provide the type of data expected by international visitors such as digital maps, accommodation and transport.  There are some high quality unofficial publications such as ‘Walking in the Algarve’ by Julie Statham, sold online for many years that enable experienced walkers to locate and walk interesting trails. In general the quality of information, such as maps, provided in this publication is of a

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

significantly higher quality than the Turismo do Algarve publication. A further observation would be that some of the trails in this publication are better located and cover places which have been omitted from the official guide, such as the Roman ruins at Estoi.  The system of naming Pequenas Rotas, i.e. PR MCQ 1 for a route in Monchique Municipality, is confusing to those unaware of statutory boundaries. There is currently no standardised approach to the naming of shorter routes with a variety of terms such as Percursos Complementares/Complementary Paths or Pequenas Routes or Perurso Pedestre used. It would be clearer if these were all referred to as ‘Local Routes’ at a regional level in line with international best practice.  Some very popular local walking routes are in dangerous condition and should be immediately closed and assessed by experienced engineers. An example would be the popular Lagos to Praia do Pinhão route which runs along a very heavily eroded cliff top. The route, barricades and wooden stair infrastructure on this trail and on the beach are all dangerously unstable and likely to cause an imminent fatality in the current condition. See image to the right for example which shows an eroded pathway, open to the public, with a 30m drop to rocks.  Some routes with great potential such as the start of the Salema to Sagres route require some intervention to make them safe for all levels of walkers such as short sections of boardwalk.  The walking route evaluation matrix, shown below in Figure 53 below, clearly indicates the comparative high overall standard of the Rota Vicentina which only failed to achieve a full score due the current lack of an app, which is fairly minor in comparison to the other positive points. Both the Via Algarviana and Grande Rota do Guadiana would benefit from improved marketing. Increased and secure funding for the Via Algarviana would enable it to improve the trail condition, signage and website. The Grande Rota do Guadiana lacks visitor information (website, maps, guides) which bring down its comparative score. Local walking routes are harder to score as there is great variance in quality with many of the trails managed by Odiana Association, Rota Vicentina Association and Almargem of good quality. Some trails of the trails that were reviewed that were managed by INCF are significantly underfunded and require investment in signage and trail quality.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 53: Walking Route Evaluation Matrix

Regional Routes Local routes City/ Criteria Rota Via Grande (except those Town Vicentina Algarviana Rota do alongside Routes Guadiana longer routes) Condition *** ** ** ** * Directional Signage *** ** ** * * Orientation/ *** ** ** * * interpretative signage Management *** ** ** ** * Maintenance *** ** ** ** * Website information *** ** * * * Maps, apps and ** ** * * * guides Local linkages e.g. *** ** ** ** * accommodation, transport Marketing/Promotion *** * * * * 26 17 15 13 9 Where *** = Excellent, ** = Satisfactory, * = Poor

4.7. Cycling Routes Conclusions

Conclusions that can be made with regards to cycling are that:  The Algarve has the potential to be one of the world’s great cycling destinations. It has many of the attributes of popular European cycling destinations like Mallorca with a variety of topography and a better year- round climate.  At the moment the potential of cycle tourism has not been reflected in the regional marketing campaigns, nor has there been but in from the public/private sector to the development of cycle trail development – however it could be suggested that they are waiting for a strategic lead to be taken on this.  There are significant issues and variance of quality in implementation. Issues with those long distance trails which can also be ridden by mountain-bikes are similar to those indicated above for walking. The Rota Vicentina Historical Way can be ridden but it is not currently marketed due to the potential for conflict with walkers. There is immense potential for the development of a

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

complementary cycling route along the Rota Vicentina corridor between Cape St Vincent and northwards to Alentjo and on up to Lisbon. The Via Algarviana has great potential as a mountain-biking trail but only users with some experience could currently complete the trail. With investment a wider range of users could be involved.

The Grande Rota do Guadiana has potential as a mountain-biking trail and would benefit from targeted appropriate information for mountain bike users. The Guadiana corridor also has great potential as a cycle touring route and the quiet good quality riverside road would make a spectacular 1-2 day cycle between Villa Real do S. Antonio and Alcoutim.  The Ecovia do Litoral has huge potential as a coastal cycle touring route and is currently the subject of a development programme as part of the Eurovelo 1 scheme. There is significant opportunity to prioritise the development of this route, on a phased basis as a flagship attraction. However currently some sections of the Ecovia do Litoral are very dangerous. While there is historical cause, the practice of directing visitors to cycle alongside a dual carriageway, alongside the N125, for example between Faro and Olhao is against international best-practice and visitor expectations need to be managed and visitor safety prioritised.  There are many mountain-biking routes which are managed by many organisations with varying quality of infrastructure and signage. These include rural development agencies such as Odiana Association; agencies managing the long distance trails such as Almargem and Rota Vicentina Association; and municipal council such as Loule Municipal Council which has produced an associated publication. These provide a significant recreational opportunity and could be promoted at a regional level.  There is no single database of all cycle touring and mountain-biking routes and no way for visitors to consider which trail would suit them best, in a similar way to www.wanderland.ch (see Switzerland case study in section 3.3 below). While ATA is currently working on a database and website of cycling and walking trails this should be reconsidered and developed in line with international best practice and in tandem with product development.  There is no standardisation of approach to cycling trail signage or to trail surfacing/grading.  There are some high quality unofficial publications such as ‘Cycling in the Algarve’ by Huw Thomas from Pedal Portugal.  With regards to long distance mountain-biking routes the cycle route evaluation matrix, shown below in Figure 54, clearly indicates the comparative high overall standard of the option to cycle the Historical Way on the Rota Vicentina which only failed to achieve a full score as it is not promoted by Rota Vicentina Association due to the potential for recreational

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

user conflict. There is great potential for the development of a cycle touring route along the Rota Vicentina corridor due to the associated marketing and management in place. There is also potential for the development of shorter touring cycle touring loops from some towns along the Rota Vicentina. Both the Via Algarviana and Grande Rota do Guadiana routes achieve satisfactory scores with the Grande Rota do Guadiana having the potential to benefit from improved marketing and information provision.

 With regards to cycle touring the Ecovia do Litoral scores very low on all criteria except linkages with excellent transport and accommodation opportunities along the route. There is great potential to develop this trail further as part of the Eurovelo product offer. There is also potential to promote longer cycle routes in the rural areas of the Algarve.  There are no official local touring cycle routes although there is great potential to develop local 1-2 hour circuits from settlements such as Faro centre to Praia do Faro or from Sagres Fort to Cape St Vincent.

Figure 54: Cycling Route Evaluation Matrix

Criteria Regional Routes Local Rota Via Grande Ecovia do Routes Vicentina Algarviana Rota do Litoral (Historical Guadiana Way) Condition *** ** ** * ** Directional Signage *** ** ** * * Orientation/ *** ** ** * * interpretative signage Management *** ** ** * ** Maintenance *** ** ** * ** Website information ** ** * * * Maps and guides ** ** * * * Local linkages e.g. *** ** ** *** ** accommodation, transport Marketing/Promotion ** * * * * 24 17 15 11 13 Where *** = Excellent, ** = Satisfactory, * = Poor

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

5. Best Practice Case Studies

5.1. Mallorca, Spain

As a visitor destination Mallorca shares many of the Algarve’s attributes – good climate, local culture, mountains and a variety of flora and fauna. It is easily accessible from a range of European Airports and has been a popular sun sand and sea destination for over 40 years. Over the last decade the local authority, Govern de les Illes Balears, have invested in the development of walking routes, cycling routes and associated signage. This has been in response to demand and to provide more activities outside the summer months.

While walking is a popular activity on Mallorca there is poor quality information available on official websites such as www.visitmallorca.com with the private sector website www.seemallorca.com offering a greater range of information. Walking routes range from a variety of local routes to longer trails in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range along the west coast of Mallorca. The GR221 Ruta de Pedra en Sec or Dry Stone Route is a long distance 150km trail from Port d'Andratx in the south west of Mallorca, to Pollenca in the north-west. The Consell de Mallorca (Council of Mallorca) has invested money in renovating hostels at the end of each stage to give walkers a place to stay for the night.

Road cycling has become increasingly popular on Mallorca. One of the biggest draws, aside from the climate and landscape is the excellent road network of 1,250km with 675km of secondary roads that offer varied itineraries with limited traffic, offering safe cycling. The cycling season begins in February and is busiest until May but most cycle shops are open until October. Most international professional cycling teams use Mallorca as a training base in the winter months. There are a network of fully marked cycle-touring routes with information panels located at points of interest on the way. There are also road-side signs at major climbs to announce the gradient and length of the road ahead. The www.seemallorca.com website has details on a range of cycling routes. The Mallorca312 is a non-competitive annual long distance race around the perimeter of the island. This is the longest track in Spain and takes 14 hours to complete. This well-organised race has a comprehensive website and includes details of accommodation30. In 2012 there were 1,143 participants from 13 countries with a combined economic impact of €2.1m.31

30 http://en.mallorca312.com/recorrido_312 31 Sporting events as powerful drivers of tourism economies: the case of the Mallorca312, Iberostar Play de Muro presentation to International Cycling Congress, 6-8 February, Palma de Mallorca

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 55: Route of Mallorca312

Figure 56: Mallorca Cycle Path

Mallorca offers many opportunities for mountain biking from high mountain trails, lush oak forests to secluded beaches only accessible on a mountain bike. As with walking and road cycling there is no overall map provided by the regional tourism agency and finding trails in the past has been difficult with many trails on private land or impossible to ride. There are several companies providing open-source information on trails and tour operators providing guided holidays. In recent years there have been issues with landowners preventing access for mountain-bikers.

Visitor data:  There is no official data available for the numbers of visitors participating in walking or cycling in Mallorca or the Balearic Islands as a whole. The total number of visitors to the Balearic Islands in 2013 was 12.293m with 9.454m of these going to Mallorca with revenue of €8,672m and a daily average spend of €109.  In 2012 there were 1.7m people engaging in outdoor activity in the Balearic Islands (e.g. cycling, hiking, sailing, golf). Average daily spend was €104.8 and average stay was 8.4 days.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

 In 2014 there were estimated to be around 150,000 cycle tourists, the primary market is Germany plus UK, Switzerland, Benelux countries, Scandinavia, France, Spain32.  The average age of cycle tourists is 30-50, 70% are men, 65% are graduates33  Value of cycle tourism is around €145m/year with an average spend of €106/day.  There were one million overnight stays in hotels with Palma and Alcudia where most cyclists are accommodated. These range from professional cyclists coming to train to touring cyclists on holiday.  Main months for cycle tourism are March May (70%) and September-February (25%)34.  The numbers of cyclists coming to Mallorca each year has risen significantly over the last decade from less than 60,000 p.a. in the late 1990’s to over 100,000 p.a. in the last 5 years.35

Figure 57: Number of Cycling Tourists in Mallorca

 Revenue from all visitors has increased over the last decade but average daily spend from cycle tourists is significantly higher than the average visitor and has remained so over the last 15 years.

32 Impact of Cycling in Mallorca and the case of the Mallorca312, Alexanda Alemany, cited in presentation to International Cycling Congress, 6-8 February, Palma de Mallorca 33 Ibid 34 Ibid 35 Ibid

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Figure 58: Average Spend of Cycling Tourists in Mallorca euros/day

 The economic impact from cycle tourism has increased from less than €20 million p.a. in the late 1990’s to over €100 million p.a. in the last 5 years.

Figure 59: Total Economic Impact of Cycling Tourism in Mallorca (Euros)

Key issues and findings concerning Mallorca:  Cycling has a positive effect during the low season and economic impact is spread all over the island36.  Reasons for increase in cycle tourism in Mallorca as are said to be – an increase in outdoor adventure activity, particularly cycling; an exponential increase in numbers of cyclists in the UK; increase in cycling amongst those with higher incomes; establishment of training camps in the Algarve; establishment of 2nd holiday period in Germanic countries.37

36 Ibid 37 Ibid

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

 Strengths of Mallorca as a cycling destination are said to be: weather, road network, terrain, geographical location, good communications, tourist enterprises, hotel infrastructure, cycling tradition, other activities38.  Weaknesses of Mallorca as a cycling destination are said to be: lack of promotion and policy coordination, road safety, poor private sector interaction, lack of cycle touring companies39.  Opportunities for Mallorca are said to be consolidation of existing markets and development of new ones, creation of expert committees and expert teams, improving and standardising signage, developing attractive events, engaging use of internet for promotion, innovative use of cycling 2.0 (e.g. use of Strava or bikemap.net), using social media to make contact with overseas cyclists, quantifying numbers, building content (websites, books, guides)40.  Lack of information: The official tourism website offers a poor selection of routes and no maps for walking or cycling41..  Lack of data: There is no available data for funding for trail investment, maintenance, promotion, or for local economic benefit. There is also no quantitative data regarding visitor numbers42.  Weaknesses of Mallorca as a cycling destination are considered to be: road safety; lack of cooperation with private sector; poor tourism promotion; legal issues with use of MTB trails due to trespass laws.

38 Impact of Cycling in Mallorca and the case of the Mallorca312, Alexanda Alemany, cited in presentation to International Cycling Congress, 6-8 February, Palma de Mallorca 39 Impact of Cycling in Mallorca and the case of the Mallorca312, Alexanda Alemany, cited in presentation to International Cycling Congress, 6-8 February, Palma de Mallorca 40 Impact of Cycling in Mallorca and the case of the Mallorca312, Alexanda Alemany, cited in presentation to International Cycling Congress, 6-8 February, Palma de Mallorca 41 http://www.illesbalears.es/ing/majorca/hiking.jsp?SEC=SEN 42 Cycling as a Tourist Offer in Mallorca, Xisco Lliteras, Iberostar Playa de Muro, cited in presentation to International Cycling Congress, 6-8 February, Palma de Mallorca

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

5.2. Switzerland

Switzerland is popular and well organised cycling and walking destination. The scenery and accessibility for the major population centres of Europe are likely play a strong role in this. However the provision of high quality information enables many to find all they need to know to plan their trip.

The first place many one would come to is www.myswitzerland.com, the main visitor portal for the country. This includes information on all leisure activities, for example under ‘Hiking’ visitors are presented with all trails available (498)43. These can then be sorted and refined by a variety of measures such as sliding filters for time (up to 2hrs to more than 6hrs) or difficulty (from easy to difficult). Filters can also be applied for the ‘32 most enjoyable hikes’ or ‘seasonal hiking’, or ‘family friendly hikes’ or a combination of these. Also provided on the page for each walk is information about the destination including events, accommodation – which can be booked through that page, and public transport including rail timetables. www.wanderland.ch is the official site for all national and local hiking and cycling routes in Switzerland. There are now over 34,000km of SwitzerlandMobility routes.

Walking routes are divided into national routes (7), regional routes (64), local routes (265) and also include obstacle free routes (67). Visitors can search for information by destination and for selected hikes, such as Top32 walks, family hiking tours. The hiking page on www.wanderland.ch also includes information on: Bookable offers,

43 http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/interests/hiking1.html

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Accommodation, Places of interest, Rail, bus, boat recommendations, Guides and maps, Places.

The www.wanderland.ch website provides comprehensive information on cycling including national routes (9), regional routes (55), and local routes (68). Visitors can also search by destination and for selected tours such as e.g. E-bike tours, tours with a rented bike, family cycling tours, tours near water, cycling in Swiss parks. The cycling page also includes information on: Bookable offers, Accommodation, Bicycle and E- Bike rental, Publibike, Cycle service, Places of interest, Rail, bus, boat recommendations, Guides and maps, Places.

The information on the same site for mountain-biking is equally comprehensive with information on national routes (3), regional routes (16), local routes (180) and MTB structures such as parks and downhill runs.

Visitor Data: The following findings are a selection from a survey carried out in 201444:  Hiking is extremely popular in Switzerland. 44% of the resident population state that hiking or mountain hiking is a sporting and physical activity that they engage in. When extrapolated to the residential population, this gives a figure of

44 Wandern in der Schweiz 2014

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

approximately 2.7 million people who go hiking.  In addition to Swiss-domiciled walkers, foreign guests also go hiking in Switzerland. Based on rough estimates, it can be assumed that around 300,000 hikers from abroad come walking here every year.  By far the most widely-used means of finding one’s way is still the signposts and markings on the ground. One hiker in six finds their way by using maps. Only a small group uses mobile devices with GPS or Smartphone apps to find their way when hiking.  The importance of the Internet as a source of information has clearly increased over the last six years. More than half of the hikers who have deliberately chosen a hike on a Hiking in Switzerland route use the Internet or aids such as the SwitzerlandMobility app or the SwitzerlandMobility card. One fifth of these hikers obtain information by using a hiking guide book. There are a range of other information available on the internet45.  Hikes rarely extend over several days (about 2% to 4% of all hikes). Multi-day hikes are much more frequent in the vacation areas than in the day-trip or local recreational areas. Half of all multi-day hikes last no longer than two days.  At least one third of hikes do not last longer than 2 hours. This would suggest that walking for local recreation plays an important role.  During a hike in Switzerland, an average of CHF 45 is spent per person per day (incl. any overnight accommodation expenses). Expenses on meals and the outward and re-turn journey account for the largest share of hiking costs. Every year, an average Swiss hiker spends about CHF 860 on hiking (not counting any expenses for items of equipment). The turnover generated by hiking in Switzerland is about CHF 2.5 billion (incl. foreign guests, but excluding items of equipment), of which nearly CHF 500 million are generated by overnight stays.  Hikers attach particular importance to beautiful landscapes, experiencing nature and recreation while hiking. In terms of infrastructure, constant signposting with walking times indicated at regular intervals, footpaths with a natural surface and varied and well-maintained footpaths are deemed particularly important. In addition, more than 60% also think that restaurants and guest houses and being able to travel to the point of departure by public transport are important or very important. Most hikers are very satisfied with these aspects.

45http://www.swisstrails.ch, individual long distance trails with organized accommodation and luggage transfer; http://www.swisstopo.admin.ch, Swiss hiking maps; http://www.gps-tracks.com; descriptions with maps and GPS

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

Key Issues and Findings concerning Switzerland:

This case study of the most popular cycling and walking destination in Europe is important as its shows the high standard of comparative information provision i.e. the level of information provision that many visitors might be used to having visited Switzerland. There are a range of innovative approaches here:  Provision of information: The level of information is very detailed. Visitors can view all trails on a national map and drill down to a local level; clicking on a trail at a local level brings up the name or name & stage of that trail; clicking on the trail takes the user to the trail information including photos, accommodation and transport. The website www.switzerlandmobility.ch provides information on SwitzerlandMobility routes and services in German, French, Italian and English. All SwitzerlandMobility routes and all other signalized hiking trails in the country (about 65,000 km) are shown on a scale of up to 1:50,000 on high-quality swisstopo maps and can be printed out free of charge. The official SwitzerlandMobility route guides have descriptions of national and regional routes and services in German and French, with some also in English. While the provision of information on the internet is important for people to choose routes signposts are the most important means for a visitor to find their way on the ground. Apps are also important. GPS/smartphone apps are important for a minority.  Signage: The signalization of SwitzerlandMobility routes is standard throughout Switzerland. It is based on Swiss norms for signalization of non- motorized traffic (SN 640 829). It was revised for the realization of SwitzerlandMobility and today is the only international norm for standard signalization of non-motorized traffic. The yellow signs for hiking trails, white signs for the barrier-free routes and red for cycling, mountain biking and skating routes were supplemented for SwitzerlandMobility with the addition of route information panels including route names and numbers. One-digit numbers indicate national routes, two-digit numbers indicate regional routes and three-digit numbers indicate local routes.  Bookable offers: The SwitzerlandMobility Marketing Group (SwitzerlandMobility MG) is responsible for bookable offers for SwitzerlandMobility, supported by regional Swiss tourism organizations and numerous enterprises that provide services for bookable offers.  Bike rental: As a SwitzerlandMobility partner, Rent-a-Bike offers the hire of a wide range of cycles and mountain bikes at over 100 cycle-rental points

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

throughout Switzerland, usually at railway stations. Some points also offer hire of electric cycles, tandems etc. All cycles hired at one Rent-a-Bike point can be returned to any other Rent-a-Bike point.  Overnight accommodation: Many hotels, camping sites, private rooms, youth hostels and farms have been awarded the SwitzerlandMobility Foundation quality label and are partner enterprises (about 1500).  Integration with public transport: The national and regional route network is divided into one-day stages. Over 500 places are defined as stage destinations, which can be reached by train, postbus, boat or aerial cableway. This means that individual stages can also be used as day excursions. All public transport stops which are included in official timetables (about 18,000) are shown together with the routes on the SwitzerlandMobility interactive internet map, linked to the online timetable.  Management: Switzerland Mobility is an example of integrated goal- orientated management. Switzerland Mobility was launched in autumn 2004 with a contracting body comprised of various Swiss federal departments, the Swiss cantons, the Principality of Liechtenstein and many organizations from traffic, sport and tourism. Thanks to strong teamwork, the SwitzerlandMobility Foundation was able to successfully launch SwitzerlandMobility in spring 2008, after three years realisation work. The cost of this was 12.5mCHF (€11.5m).

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

5.3. Loire a Vélo, France

The Loire à Vélo is one of the premier long distance cycle routes in France and is now a key part of Eurovelo 646 which runs 3,600km from the Black Sea to the Atlantic. The concept arose for Loire a Vélo arose in 1995 and was quickly supported by the two regional authorities – Centre and Pays de la Loire – who soon brought together the 6 departments crossed by the route (Cher, Loiret, Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire, Maine-et- Loire and Loire-Atlantique) as well as its major cities: Orléans, Blois, Tours, Saumur, Angers and Nantes.

Between them the local authorities contributed €52m of finance to develop and signpost the 800km route. It took the Centre-Val de Loire and Pays de la Loire Regions over ten years to create, signpost and develop the route, starting in Cuffy (Cher) and finishing in Saint-Brévin-les-Pins (Loire-Atlantique). The first section between Angers and Tours was opened in 2005. In 2014 the route was used by 956,000 cyclists who cycled 28.3 million kilometres along the Loire à Vélo route with €19.8 million of direct economic benefit.

Key issues and findings concerning Loire a Vélo: There are a number reasons for the success of Loire a Vélo including:  Provision of a high quality network: La Loire à Vélo alternates between quiet roads with little traffic (37%), green ways (27%), no-thoroughfare roads (24%), cycle tracks and lanes (12%). Two-thirds of the itinerary runs along the Loire. There are 300 stopping places for cycle tourists for picnics/lunch.  Good signage: The route is comprehensively sign-posted in both directions which makes it very suitable for family trips. This has been so successful that guide-books now focus explaining what there is to do (landscapes, history and heritage) rather than showing the way.

46 www.eurovelo6.org

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

 Use of branding to ensure service quality: The name terms ‘Accueil Vélo’ and ‘La Loire à Vélo’ has been trademarked and branded logos produced to be used by associated businesses which reach a minimum service standard and by tourist information offices. These now include 536 businesses including 380 accommodation facilities, 20 bike rental businesses, 93 attractions and 43 Tourist Offices. The Accueil Vélo (Cyclists Welcome) partners bearing the brand are always located less than 5 km from the cycling route. For example accommodation providers ensure baggage arrives to the following night’s accommodation; give advice; provide laundry facilities, facilities for washing, repairing and storing bikes; and provide early breakfasts. Along the whole route, a network of twenty ‘Accueil Vélo’ branded bike rental companies provide equipment and services tailored to cycle tourists. Some offer delivery of bikes to the local rail-station, as well as baggage transfer, and one way collection.47  Making transportation easy: Cyclists on the Loire a Velo route can stop and start their journey wherever they want. The Train Vélo Loire (Loire River Train & Bike) allows bikes to travel free of charge and without the need for reservations. In addition, cyclists travelling in either direction can transfer their luggage, equipment, bikes and vehicles between any places of accommodation located less than 15km on either side of the Loire a Vélo route.  Provision of a route for a variety of users: The route and itinerary has been designed for a wide variety of users with recommended stages no longer than 40km, corresponding to a maximum of 4 hours cycling a day. This enables people to include picnic stops and cultural visits along the way.  Provision of high quality information: The main website for the Loire à Vélo trail is the website operated by a collection of regional tourist organisations (http://www.cycling-loire.com/). This website provides a huge range of detail on every aspect of the trail such as highly interactive maps, itineraries, activities, heritage, accommodation, bike hire, baggage transfer, photos, video and even local weather. The website tab ‘Sights along the itinerary’ contains detailed information on various sights of interest such as Châteaux of the Loire, natural assets, gastronomy and wine, towns and villages of character, and gardens of the Loire, which are clearly presented with a photo & details of each place.  The user can choose from 60 different itinerary options which include the path on Google Maps, along with its characteristics (duration, length, if it is a bike- only path or if it is shared with vehicles, etc.), information and pictures of hotels, restaurants and visits in the areas, etc. Each itinerary is presented with its own highlights, such as the heritage, landscapes and vineyards. Visitors can

47 http://en.eurovelo6-france.com/preparing-for-your-trip/the-cyclists-welcome-quality-mark

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

also select a preferred itinerary, sharing pictures and video. The website provides links to a range of brochures & maps which can be downloaded or viewed online and which are available in local visitor information centres. The website contains detail of each of these centres and the type of information and services they offer.  Use of technology: There is a dedicated Loire à Vélo app which uses GPS to navigate along the trail with embedded maps so users do not need an internet connection except when the app is first started to download the maps. The Loire à Vélo app includes all tourism product along the route, suggested itineraries, weather, roadmap, GPS geo-location, tips from professionals. The content-rich website is focussed towards cyclists and includes a wide range of detail to aid the planning and under-taking of a trip from getting to the area, hiring bikes, accommodation and baggage transfer. This makes it easy for visitors to plan a trip and to arrive with confidence. The app means that visitors can plan an exact itinerary in advance and use the app to visit heritage sites along the route.

Algarve Tourism Products Assessment and Development Action Plan – Cycling & Walking Situation Analysis

5.4. Great Western Greenway, Ireland

The Greenway is located in County Mayo in the north-west of Ireland which, in recent years, has positioned itself as the adventure capital of Ireland. The 42km long Great Western Greenway is the longest off-road cycling and walking trail in Ireland. The traffic-free route mostly follows the line of the Newport-Mulranny railway which closed in 1937. The first 14km section opened in 2010 with an extension to 42km opening in 2011. Funding for the greenway came from the Irish government (Fáilte Ireland/Department of Transport/Department of Rural Affairs). The trail was only made possible by the agreement of local landowners who gave permissive access to users to pass through their lands. Mayo County Council secured access by taking leadership for the route in obtaining Permissive Access Agreements.

Figure 60: Location of County Mayo

Figure 61: Location of Great Western Greenway

Key issues and findings concerning the Great Western Greenway:  Provision of high-quality infrastructure attracts awards and media attention with the Great Western Greenway winning an EDEN (European Destination of Excellence) award and 1st Prize at the European Greenways Association in Viseu, Portugal in 2013.  The Great Western Greenway has delivered real local economic benefits. In the first year of the route being open an economic impact study was

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undertaken by Fitzpatrick Associates48 which found that the 145,000 people who used the trail contributed €7.2 million to the local economy (including €2.8m from overseas visitors, €3.5m from domestic visitors) and supported more than 90 jobs (38 new and 56 existing jobs).  Provision of this type of infrastructure provides opportunities for linkages and new businesses. There are new trails alongside the greenway such as the Gourmet Greenway, now a popular food trail along the Greenway showcasing local artisan food, and Artists ion the Greenway, an initiative of local artists and sculptors. There are opportunities for many new businesses such as bike hire, cycling and walking guided tours, hospitality services – food and drink, local shops, accommodation providers and taxi services. Typical packages include accommodation combined with bike hire, packed lunch and transport pick up.  Visitor data from 2013 indicates most users are cyclists (78%), most are Irish 75.5% (overseas 24.5%, UK 9.5%); the greenway is popular with families (60% of users), 54% of users hired a bike. In 2013 there were 208,000 users with an average daily spend of €62/person/day.49  Trends show user numbers are growing each year from 145,000 in 2011 to 208,000 in 2013. There are more international visitors (16% 2012 compared to 24.5% in 2013); people are cycling longer journeys  It’s important to provide good information for visitors: The Great Western Greenway has its own dedicated website, www.greenway.ie, which includes trail maps, information on Things to See and Do (Outdoor Activities, Visitor Attractions, Greenway Towns), Accommodation, Bike Rental and Tours. There is also an app with high quality content, maps,. GPS and product listings.  The success of the Greenway has led to consideration of new opportunities including:  Development of the Eurovelo 1 Cycle route around the coast of Ireland (and down to Cape St Vincent)  Service centres to improve visitor facilities. These will include toilets and shower facilities, customer services, and an HQ for the Green Patrol who offer first aid response, customer care, and help to maintain and manage the Greenway.

48Economic Impact of Greenway, Fitzpatrick Associates, 2011 49 Mayo County Council 2014

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 Development of a trail along the Galway/Mayo coastline that links water recreational activities.

Lessons50  Important to secure offers of funding in principle  Securing landowner permission eliminated the need for a CPO (compulsory purchase order) for the route  Completion of the route from Newport to Mulranny in 2010 as stage one of the routes, helped to ensure that the rest of the route was secured and developed  Greenway Investment can leverage community & private buy in. Create momentum – but needs direction & co-ordination  Work with the energy – others will follow. Huge strength in community.  Greenways can re energise an area – bringing back that sense/pride of place  Encourage to take the initiative / highlight the €€€  Create experiences & packages  Collaboration, collaboration & more collaboration.  Success follows Success

50 The Greenway Forward – Opportunities for Tourism, Mayo County Council, 2014

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5.5. Rota Vicentina Association

The Rota Vicentina is a corridor of activity along the Costa Vicentina on the Algarve’s west coast. The route consists of two main trails, the Fisherman’s Trail which runs from Porto Covo in Alentjo to Odeceixe in the Algarve and its 5 complementary circuits, the Historical Trail which runs from Santiago do Cacem in Alentjo to Cabo Sao Vicente in the Algarve, and five circular routes. Rota Vicentina officially opened in 2012.

The Algarve’s Rota Vicentina Association (www.rotavicentina.com) can be considered a relevant best-practice example with regards to its community based structure, funding mechanisms and recent achievements. This not for profit association has over 150 private sector members which include accommodation providers, tour operators and taxi companies. Membership fees are now almost double the amount of annual public sector funding from municipal councils meaning the RVA business model is becoming increasingly sustainable. Funding also comes from sponsorship e.g. Europcar.

The Rota Vicentina has very high quality directional, orientation and interpretation signage. There are 26 interpretation panels in villages - the start/end points of 22 sections and on 5 loop trails.

In 2015 Rota Vicentina Association launched a highly informative website with maps available to download in all formats for all sections including GPS, GPX and KMZ formats for use in Google Earth and Google Maps. High quality printed maps and guides are also available. Innovative features of the website include online booking facility for accommodation; and an itinerary planner linked to an algorithm that suggests an itinerary based on the user profile and length of stay.

Key issues and findings concerning Rota Vicentina:  Innovative use of a private sector led association to drive development of a corridor of activity whose goal is to increase local economic benefit rather than increase user numbers

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 There is no visitor data and this lack of visitor data makes prioritised investment difficult. Numerical, qualitative and carrying capacity monitoring would enable RVA to work with sponsors, media and EU funds – it would provide justification for investment. A baseline socio-economic study and carrying capacity study are essential.  While the route has world class information provision it currently lacks an app to provide information on what can be seen and done.

5.6. Eurovelo Routes and European Long Distance Walking Routes

5.6.1. Eurovelo Routes

EuroVelo, the European cycle route network, was initiated by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) to develop a network of high-quality cycling routes linking all countries in Europe. The network can be used by long-distance cycle tourists, as well as by local people making daily journeys. The European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and several European Union Member States have asked the European Commission to integrate EuroVelo into the Trans-European Transportation Network (TEN-T). EuroVelo  is a network of European long-distance cycle routes  currently comprises 14 routes  is a project of the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) in cooperation with the national EuroVelo coordination centres

One of the ECF’s main goals is to ensure that the EuroVelo network is substantially complete by 2020.

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The 14 EuroVelo routes, together with their total distance when complete, are: North – South Routes: 1 – Atlantic Coast Route: North Cape – Sagres 8,186 km 3 – Pilgrims’ Route: Trondheim – Santiago de Compostela 5,122 km 5 – Via Romea Francigena: London – Rome and Brindisi 3,900 km 7 – Sun Route: North Cape – Malta 7,409 km 9 – Baltic – Adriatic: Gdansk – Pula 1,930 km 11 – East Europe Route: North Cape – Athens 5,984 km 13 – Iron Curtain Trail: Barents Sea – Black Sea 10,400 km 15 – Rhine Route: Andermatt – Hoek van Holland 1,320 km

West – East Routes: 2 - Capitals Route: Galway – Moscow 5,500 km 4 – Central Europe Route: Roscoff – Kiev 4,000 km 6 - Atlantic – Black Sea: Nantes – Constanta 4,448km 8 – Mediterranean Route: Cádiz – Athens and Cyprus 5,888 km

Circuits: 10 – Baltic Sea Cycle Route (Hansa circuit): 7,980 km 12 – North Sea Cycle Route: 5,932 km Total network: Over 70,000 km

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There are two main Eurovelo websites:  www.eurovelo.org for nations and individuals working on developing the network  www.eurovelo.com for information on the 14 routes

The eurovelo.org site hosts a variety of strategies, guidelines and best-practice. These include51:  Eurovelo Development Strategy 2012-2020  Guidance on the Route Development Process  Eurovelo – Guidance on Usage Monitoring  Examples of national best practice for Eurovelo websites e.g. Eurovelo 1 in France52 and the Cyclists Welcome standard in France (Accueil Velo)53

Objectives of EuroVelo: 1. Economic – help create lasting economic growth with more and better jobs.  It is estimated that the network will generate €5 billion direct revenue per year if it is fully developed.  Strengthen the leading position of Europe amongst tourism destinations.  Establish and maintain cycling facilities that require larger work forces but less material. 2. Environmental - reduce the environmental impact of tourism and transport.  Promote cycling as an environmentally sustainable form of leisure and mobility activity.  Encourage cyclists to combine public transport and cycling.  Wherever possible use existing facilities. New facilities, where necessary, should have minimal impact on the environment.  Promote effective spatial and land use planning that allocates more space for cycling. 3. Regional and rural development.  Connect both famous and ‘less well known’ tourism destinations.  Improve the well-being of local communities by providing cycling facilities. 4. European cohesion and mutual understanding.  Remind citizens about the history, culture and nature of Europe through cycling.  Stimulate direct face to face interactions between people.  Encourage more women and families to take up cycling.  Provide opportunities for disabled people to use the routes. 5. Public health - Improve the health of European citizens.  Motivate the population to pursue healthy leisure and mobility activities. 6. Exchange of experiences – Stimulating and high quality cycle routes.54

51 http://www.eurovelo.org/downloads/guidelines/ 52 http://www.velodyssey.com/ 53 http://en.eurovelo6-france.com/preparing-for-your-trip/the-cyclists-welcome-quality-mark 54 Eurovelo Development Strategy 2012-2020, page 2

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Expected conditions by 2020:  Every section is located on low traffic public roads or on car free infrastructure with asphalted or good quality consolidated surface (i.e. it is possible for average users to ride the routes throughout the season with a loaded trekking / touring bike).  On the most frequented sections, the road quality is improved to such an extent that the range of different user groups increases.  Signing is in accordance with the regulations of the respective nations and/or regions and is continuous in both directions  Signing is supplemented by EuroVelo route information panels, in accordance with the publication “Signing of EuroVelo cycle routes“.  Public transport companies connect the main nodes and provide bicycle transportation services as an alternative on mountainous sections or instead of roads with high levels of motorised traffic.55

Route infrastructure components:  Public roads: if the speed limit exceeds 30km/h, the road should not carry more than 2,000 motor vehicles per day, preferably under 500 vehicles. In exceptional circumstances public roads carrying up to 4,000 vehicle units per day may be used on a temporary basis. Shared lane marking, traffic reduction, calming measures and speed reduction can all contribute to improving safety. In urban areas and roads with high levels of motorised traffic, 30km/h speed limits are a good solution  Cycle lanes separated from traffic, asphalted shoulders/cycle lanes besides public roads should not be located alongside roads carrying more than 10,000 vehicles units per day. In exceptional circumstances the shoulder may not be asphalted  Segregated cycle paths  Shared use cycling and pedestrian paths  Bridges, subways and tunnels for cyclists and/or pedestrians  ‘Cycle streets’ for intensive cycling traffic and low levels of motorised traffic  Agricultural / forestry / water management roads  Greenways56

Signing principles:  Signing of the EuroVelo routes should be in line with the relevant European and national standards and regulations  The EuroVelo signing regulations should be integrated to national signing regulations  Signs should be permanently visible for cyclists  Signs should be easily understandable

55 Eurovelo Development Strategy 2012-2020, page 6 56 Guidance on the Route Development Process, page 5

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 Adequate information should be provided at main junctions and border crossing points  Preliminary information should be provided at complex junctions  Confirmation signs should be provided after junctions  Confirmation signs should be provided on long sections without junctions.

Components of the signing system:  Upright signs mounted on posts, street furniture, walls etc, giving or confirming route direction and number (mandatory)  EuroVelo signs, integrated with national and regional signage (mandatory)  Road markings and simple signs (optional)  Information boards to interpret the route and add interest to the trip (optional)  Informative signage to places of interest, such as services and attractions, in the environment of the route (optional).57

Surface  The surface should be suitable for use by cyclists with any type of trekking or touring bike (mandatory), and preferably road racing bikes, children’s bikes and bikes with trailers (optional), in normal weather conditions during the local cycling season (mandatory)  The surface should be smooth and solid enough to ride, so it should either be asphalted or paved with another material, such as concrete, stone etc. In exceptional circumstances, such as a protected nature reserve, loose material may be used, but must be consolidated (mandatory)  The preferred option is a good quality asphalted surface.

Gradients  High gradients (more than 6% on longer sections; more than 10% on shorter sections) should be avoided wherever possible (optional)  For daily sections that include more than a 1,000m elevation, alternative solutions (public transport with bike carriage or alternative routes) should be provided (mandatory).

Maintenance  It is important to clarify maintenance issues before investment is made and routes are developed. The responsibility for the maintenance of the infrastructure depends on the type of infrastructure and the national regulations.

It may vary from one section to another. Maintenance plans should include surface maintenance, surface cleaning and control of vegetation encroachment

57 Guidance on the Route Development Process, page 6

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 Regular surveys of the route infrastructure conditions and the precise itinerary are necessary  The maintenance of signing should be coordinated at the national or at least the regional level. It should include the repair and replacement of missing or damaged signs and posts.58

Usage monitoring The guidance for the collection and processing of data relating to cyclists using the EuroVelo routes includes:  Quantitative monitoring – automatic counters, manual counting  Qualitative monitoring - interviews and questionnaires  Data entry, aggregation and breakdown  Tasks and responsibilities59

5.6.2. European Long Distance Walking Routes (E-Routes)

E-Paths are the European long distance paths which link the countries from North Cape to Crete and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Carpathians and the Black Sea.There are 12 E-Paths, bearing the name of E1 to E12. These E-Paths are waymarked and maintained by the members of the European Ramblers Association (ERA - EWV - FERP).

The E-Paths run on existing national or regional trails with their own marking. However, it has been agreed to identify them also with a uniform marking: a blue shield with the yellow stars of Europe, in the middle of which is the letter E and the corresponding number of the E-path. Under the shield is also included the website address of the European Ramblers Association.

E1 Nordkapp (N) – Salerno (I) 7.000 km Nordkapp (N) – Göteborg (S) – Konstanz (D) – Lugano (CH) – Genua (I) – Salerno (I) E2 Inverness (GB) – Nice (F) 4.850 km Inverness (GB) – Hoek v Holland (NL) – Antwerpen (B) – Echternach (L) – Chamonix (F) – Nice (F) E3 Santiago (E) – Nesebâr (BG) 6.950 km Santiago (E) – Vézelay (F) – Echternach (L) – Fulda (D) – Zakopane (PL) – Ártánd (H) – Nesebâr (BG) E4 Tarifa (E) – Larnaca (CY) 11.800 km Tarifa (E) – Grenoble (F) – Budapest (H) – Beograd (SRB) – Sofia (BG) – Lanaca (CY) E5 Pointe du Raz (F) – Verona (I) 2.900 km

58 Guidance on the Route Development Process, page 7

59 Eurovelo – Guidance on Usage Monitoring

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Pointe du Raz (F) – Fontainebleau (F) – Kreuzlingen (CH) – Bregenz (A) – Verona (I) E6 Kilpisjärvi (FIN) - Alexandoupolis (GR) 6.300 km Kilpisjärvi (FIN) – København (DK) – Goslar (D) – Koper (SLO) – Alexandroupolis (GR) E7 El Hierro (E) – Nowi Sad (SRB) 4.330 km El Hierro (E) – Lisboa (P) – Andorra (AND) – Nice (F) – Ljubljana (SLO) – Nowi Sad (SRB) E8 Dublin (IRL) – Svilengrad (BG) 4.390 km Dublin (IRL) – Hull (GB) – Hoek v Holland (NL) – Bonn (D) – Wien (A) – Košice (SK) – Svilengrad (BG) E9 Lisboa (P) – Tallin (EST) 5.200 km Lisboa (P) – Brest (F) – Hoek v Holland (NL) – Lübeck (D) – Gdansk (PL) E10 Nuorgam (FIN) – Bolzano (I) 2.880 km Nuorgam (FIN) – Potsdam (D) – Praha (CZ) – Salzburg (A) – Bolzano (I) E11 Scheveningen (NL) – Ogrodniki (PL) 2.070 km Scheveningen (NL) – Osnabrück (D) – Potsdam (D) – Poznań (PL) – Ogrodniki (PL) E12 Ceuta (E) – 1600 km Ceuta (E) – Barcelona (E) – Nice (F) – Genova (I) – Salerno (I) 01/04 2014

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Leading Quality Trails The European Ramblers Association have introduced a trail quality scheme, the Leading Quality Trails- Best of Europe’ which is an award as well as a transparent method to optimise the overall route infrastructure. The criteria can be used as a checklist and help countries that have to build up their walking route network. In countries that already have a functioning route network, such a system can strengthen walking tourism further. The logo ‘Leading Quality Trails- Best of Europe’ is used on national as well as international trails. Certification is only available for complete trails. Prerequisite is a distance of at least 50km with three daily stages. Exceptions to the rule are the European Long Distance routes. They can be certified in part, as long as the minimum length is given.

Rota Vicentina Association are currently in the process of applying for award for sections of their trails.

Signage In almost every country in Europe there is an E-path, normally marked with local (national) way-marks. It is not the aim to change all the local way-marks into European way-marks. Please, use the European way-marks supplementary, for instance 1 way-mark every 2 km, way-marks on important crossings and way-marks on special places, like at the start or end. If special signs are made with listing an E-path please do not remove this signs and leave them. If there is a ‘local’ waymark only for the E-path please replace these marks with the European ones.

General Principles for Signing and Marking Footpaths

1. Waymarks should be placed in the direction of the route so that they are clearly visible from a distance 2. Waymarks should be positioned on an object so that the whole mark is visible from the point of view of the approaching walker, by ensuring that the surface of the mark forms an angle of more than 45° with the line of route. 3. The route should be waymarked in both directions, with two clearly separate marks. Each of these marks should be positioned with respect to one direction only. 4. Junctions are places where paths cross, join or diverge from each other. When carrying out marking, special attention must be paid to junctions where the walker could leave the marked path by mistake. For this reason, all junctions must be marked in both directions.

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 A waymark indicating the correct direction should be placed no more than 10m after the junction so that it is clearly visible from the junction and indicates the change of direction unambiguously. This mark is called the guidance mark.  Another mark should be placed a little further along the correct route. This is called the confirmation mark. 5. Long sections of routes without junctions should be provided with reassurance marks. The distance should not exceed 250m. This distance should be shortened in difficult or mountainous terrain. 6. If the marked route turns off on another path or changes direction suddenly, an arrow should be used, with the point of the arrow indicating the new direction. 7. Increased attention should be paid to the signing of routes in built-up areas, and in particular along sections leaving built-up areas. 8. Directional panels or fingerposts indicating the route of the marked path should be placed at the starting/ending points of the route, at junctions and at other necessary places along the route. 9. Fingerposts and directional panels should indicate one or more destination along the marked route and the distance in km (miles) or hours. If a destination is shown on a fingerpost or panel, it must be shown on all other subsequent fingerposts or panels until the destination itself is reached.

ERA-EWV-FERP 2015

Details on how to decide on a new section of E-path http://www.era-ewv-ferp.com/walking-in-europe/e-paths/new-e-paths/

5.7. Key Findings and Conclusions

TDI examined four international case studies of comparative trails and approaches. These included:  Balearic Islands – Mallorca & Ibiza, Spain (walking, cycling and mountain- biking)  Switzerland (walking, cycling and mountain-biking)  Loire a Vélo, France (cycling)  Great Western Greenway, Ireland (cycling and walking)

TDI also considered some elements of the Algarve’s Rota Vicentina as a model of local best practice.

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Overall there are a range of key findings from the best-practice case studies. These include:  Provision of high quality integrated information through websites, maps, apps, signage and guides is essential. Successful communication at a national level e.g. Switzerland, regional level e.g. Loire a Vélo, or local level e.g. Great Western Greenway, all provide a range of high quality information on websites.  Provision of high quality standardised signage gives users confidence in the quality of the trail. This is considered essential from the start in the provision of the SwissMobility trails. The Rota Vicentina network also provides high quality standardised signage.  Cycling and walking infrastructure includes integration with local public transport networks to provide a seamless connection.  Cycling events can help to raise the profile of a destination in overseas markets although they are unlikely to have a significant impact in themselves on overall visitor numbers and revenue.  Private sector businesses have engaged with cycling and walking in successful activity destinations by providing facilities and services including bike storage or baggage transfer  Leadership and organisation are principal prerequisites to the successful development of a collaborative regional development across multiple administrations and communities. Leaders cannot work in isolation; they need a supportive institutional framework with all levels of stakeholders being represented.  A preparedness to subjugate narrow territorial interests for the greater benefit of the wider region is equally vital, though this may only be achieved through a programme of information dissemination using local media and personal involvement in meetings of the key stakeholders.  Success is a long term process since the twin imperatives of building support from throughout the region and getting the product offer right (including directional signage, road and other forms of access including appropriate vehicle parking, trail development and maintenance, interpretative signage, accommodation) should all precede any extensive and intensive market launch and promotional activities.  Partnerships and alliances are important both to garner wide support for the project and also as active partners in components of the project that are not directly related to tourism and recreation but that facilitate sustainable use of natural features and cultural heritage sites. Membership schemes (such as Rota Vicentina Association) represent effective ways to reinforce support and contribute to the finance of the organisation responsible for overseeing the development and marketing of the area.  Funding for trail development for all international case studies came from the public sector – local & regional for Loire a Vélo, regional and national tourism

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authority for the Great Western Greenway, regional for Mallorca, and from regional and local government in tandem with national organisations in the case of Switzerland. The availability of funding will determine to a major extent what can be done and, in all likelihood, limit the ambition of projects in the short term. However, well designed and executed small project components as part of a strategic and coherent plan that is fully supported across the region can act as a powerful persuader for funding agencies to support the project, and demonstrate the mutual benefit of working with the project to key stakeholders e.g. municipal councils, hotels and others in the private sector.

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6. SWOT Analysis

The market analysis and product assessment findings have been drawn together in a SWOT analysis which is presented below. TDI’s strategy (as presented in Part 2) aims to capitalise on the Algarve’s competitive advantages and achieve differentiation as a cycling and walking destination.

Strengths Weaknesses S W

Internal Characteristics of Algarve that Characteristics of Algarve that Factors give it an advantage over place it as a disadvantage to other destinations competitors

Opportunities Threats O T

Considerations that Algarve Considerations that could External could exploit to its advantage disadvantage Algarve Factors

Positive Negative

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6.1. Strengths Strengths S The strengths below describe the positive Characteristics of Algarve attributes of the Algarve as a cycling and that give it an advantage over other destinations walking destination.

 Climate – 300+ days of sunshine;  Location – Proximity to major population centres of Europe;  Access – Good international access with Faro Airport;  Environment – Outstanding beauty and variety;  Food – Excellent variety including seafood;  Rota Vicentina – World class walking route with opportunity to extend route to Lagos;  Via Algarviana – World class walking route with opportunity to drive rural economy, to develop linkages to Ecovia and to develop further looped walking trails;  Grand Rota do Guadiana – New 65km walking and mountain-biking route with opportunity to develop associated cycling and kayak route and to link to Alentejo;  Walking Product – Wide variety of long distance walks, looped and short walks;  Cycling Product – Ecovia do Litoral (Potential to become world class cycling route);  History and Culture – Rich culture and historic built heritage;  Road Network – Good quality inland roads with little traffic;  Events – Volta do Algarve and Cachapo Alive are internationally recognised events;  Commitment – Strong village and town communities involved in trail maintenance.

Capitalise on these strengths which bring added value

Objective: and in some cases a competitive advantage to the

Algarve as a cycling and walking destination.

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Weaknesses W 6.2. Weaknesses Characteristics of Algarve that place it as a disadvantage to The weaknesses below detract from Algarve’s competitors appeal as a cycling and walking destination.

 Trail Quality – Many trails but most lack signage and some basic maintenance;  Visitor Safety – Dangerous infrastructure could lead to injuries or fatalities;  Marketing – Inadequate and ineffective marketing of cycling and walking;  High on-road proportion on some long distance trails contributing to negative/dangerous experience;  Access – Lack of direct flights outside peak season;  Road signage – Poor quality generally;  Accommodation and Restaurants in Rural Areas – Limited;  Bike Shops – Many not responding to market demand;  Transport Linkages – Poor linkages in some areas. Lack of coordinated connection between Faro Airport and train station;  Websites and Maps – Lack of single point of information for cycling and walking;  Opening Times – Many (public and private) facilities closed outside peak season;  Standardisation – Lack of common trail standards;  Organisation - Lack of cohesion, coordination and leadership; establish public/private governance model to coordinate product development and marketing and facilitate greater collaboration;  Trail Management – There is a need to identify appropriate management and maintenance models for some routes;  Code of Conduct – Lack of standard guidelines for walkers and cyclists;  Data – Lack of research and monitoring;  Festivals and Events – Limited range and coordination of events focussed on off peak season;  Reputational Damage – Continued poor quality trails and infrastructure will impact negatively on visitor experience;  User Conflict – Potential user conflict between cyclists and walkers;  Planning – Inadequate coordination of planning;  Community Support – Failure to deliver and spread economic benefits.

Prioritise improvements to Algarve’s cycling and walking Objective: offer in order to compete and win market share from other destinations.

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S W 6.3. Opportunities Opportunities T O

Considerations that Algarve could The opportunities below reflect the Algarve’s exploit to its advantage potential as a cycling and walking destination.

 Ecovia do Litoral – phased development as world-class greenway for cycling and walking; integration with Eurovelo routes;  Develop new walking routes – Develop new coastal walks and urban trails to widen the product offer. Focus development on hubs;  Increase the frequency and number of direct flights;  Broaden and deepen market awareness of the Algarve as a cycling and walking destination;  Greater awareness of the health benefits of activities requiring physical exercise;  Growth in market demand for cycling and walking holidays;  International specialist operator interest in Algarve/B2B;  Age and economic circumstances of key target markets (favourable);  Capture market share from competing destinations, particularly North Africa due to political instability.

To realise the potential of the Algarve as a leading Objective: cycling and walking destination through effective implementation of targeted marketing strategies.

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6.4. Threats Threats T Considerations that could The threats below are external factors that have the disadvantage Algarve potential to threaten the development of Algarve as a cycling and walking destination.

 Access – Potential over-dependence on single carrier;  Competitors - Investment in cycling and walking product development and marketing;  Global economy – Potential negative impacts arising from downturn in China economy; exchange rate fluctuations;  Political – EU Brexit and possible changes to Schengen arising from refugee crisis;  Failure to maintain cycling routes and walking trails to international standards required by tourists;  Failure to make the marketing investment necessary to establish the Algarve's reputation as a premier location for cycling and walking activities.

Through effective planning and co-ordination, position

Objective: the Algarve to respond proactively to external factors that may threaten the destination.

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7. Comparative Advantages and Gap Analysis

7.1. The Algarve’s Comparative Advantages in Cycling and Walking Tourism

Destination  Climate - good weather year round  Location – proximity to Europe  Destination security  Friendly people  Airport – facilitating direct access to region  Outstanding natural environment – topography and landscapes, flora and fauna  Variety of experience opportunity e.g. mountains to sea  Cultural Heritage – modern and historic  Food – high quality and competitively priced  Established recreational activities  Start/end of European trail network

Walking  Rota Vicentina Association management model  Long distance walking trail network variety and range

Cycling  Good quality rural road network with low traffic volume  Available mountain biking experiences

7.2. Key Gaps/Needs in the Future Development of the Algarve Cycling and Walking Tourism

Product  Signage – trails and roads  Incomplete off-road on certain trails  Signposted urban trails  Hubs - orientation points and local routes  South coast trail network  Standard approach to code of conduct for walkers and cyclist  Standard approach to trail grading

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Infrastructure/facilities/services  Inadequate direct and off-peak flights  Limited accommodation/services base in rural areas  internal public transport network  Reduction of airport charges

Markets/segments  Lack of targeted marketing for cycling and walking  Lack of awareness in market of walking/cycling product offer

Management and Organisation  Lack of data for visitor monitoring  Stakeholder coordination  Information quality - website/maps on cycling and walking trails  Capacity building for small businesses

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Appendices

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Appendix A – Policy Summary

Tourism Development International have reviewed the following key strategic plans:  A1.1: TURISMO 2020 – Action Plan for Tourism Development in Portugal  A1.2: PENT (National Strategic Plan for Tourism – Goals Revision 2013-2015)  A1.3: Algarve Regional Spatial Plan (PROT Algarve - 2007)  A1.4: Strategic Marketing Plan for the Algarve Tourism (2015-2018)  A1.5: Southwest Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park Land Management Plan (POPNSACV-2011)  A1.6: Ria Formosa Natural Park Land Management Plan (POPNRF-2009)

A1.1: TURISMO 2020 – Action Plan for Tourism Development in Portugal

Main Touristic Resources in the Algarve:

South Coast and Barrocal  Beaches, cliffs and Marinas  Diversity of Hotel Offer (Integrated Resorts / Residential Tourism)  Health and Wellness Tourism and Nautical Tourism  Entertainment activities (Water and Theme Park)

Costa Vicentina  Natural Park of Sudoeste and Costa Vicentina  Nautical Tourism  Golf

Mountain  Food and Wine (Algarve Gastronomy)  Natural Areas of interest  Nature Tourism and Health and Wellness Tourism  Golf

Low Guadiana  Salt marsh of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António  Nature Tourism

Indicators of tourist activity in Algarve – (2013)  Hotel capacity: 107,500  Overnight stays: 14.7 million  Occupancy rate: 44.4%  Revenues: € 609.0 million

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 RevPar: € 32.7

VISION TOURISM 2020

Portugal wants to be the destination with the biggest tourist growth in Europe, supported on the sustainability and competitiveness of a diversified, authentic and innovative tourist offer, consolidating tourism as a core activity for the economic development of the country and its territorial cohesion.

Strategic Objectives I. ATTRACT - Qualification and development of the area and its distinctive tourism resources

Priorities 1. Preservation and economic development of the historical and cultural heritage; 2. Urban regeneration of cities and of high tourist interest historic centers; 3. Stimulating sustainable tourism potential of the national network of protected areas and the rural heritage; 4. Coastal development and strengthening the interaction of the maritime economy and tourism; 5. Development of equipment and support services to tourism; 6. Improvement of networks and transport systems, promoting the sustainable mobility of tourist flows.

II. COMPETING - Strengthening the competitiveness and internationalization of tourism companies

Priorities 1. Upgrading and innovation of tourism enterprises; 2. Development of innovative economic activities in the areas of tourism activities, events and restaurants of interest for tourism; 3. Encouraging entrepreneurship in generating and developing new ideas and new tourist business; 4. Enhancing access of Tourism SMEs to ICT; 5. Improvement of strategic skills of SMEs; 6. Quality Certification and energy efficiency.

III. EMPOWER - Capacity building, Training and R & D + I in Tourism

Priorities 1. Enhancement of technical and vocational training in Tourism; 2. Improvement / modernization of infrastructure and training equipment, and internationalization of Hotel and Tourism Schools;

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3. Qualification and training of entrepreneurs and managers of the tourism sector for innovation, management and business models; 4. Capacity building of public tourism administrations and technological modernization of services for agents operating in the tourism industry; 5. Development and transfer of scientific and technological knowledge for tourism businesses, promoting the economic value of R & D; 6. Availability of knowledge to public and private actors of the tourism industry.

IV. COMMUNICATE - promotion and marketing of the tourism offer of the country and its regions

Priorities 1. Strengthening the external tourism promotion of the country and regions: communication campaigns in key source markets, trade marketing activities and economic diplomacy initiatives; 2. Strengthening of digital marketing: web platforms, social networks, online channels, mobile, digital content; 3. Structuring and marketing of the tourism offer; 4. Capture and consolidation of air routes to Portugal, by increasing promotional activities at the point of origin; 5. Promotion and boosting domestic tourism; 6. Promotion of structural events that reflect the affirmation of national and distinctive attributes that drive the increase of flows and tourism revenues.

V. COOPERATE - Strengthening of international cooperation

Priorities 1. Strengthening crossborder cooperation relations - Portugal-Spain; 2. Development of cooperation relations in Europe; 3. Intensified presence of Portugal in processes and organizations for international cooperation.

A1.2: PENT (National Strategic Plan for Tourism – Goals Revision 2013-2015)

Algarve The strategy includes efforts in growth markets, especially France, Poland and Russia, and the revitalization of the consolidated, with the loyalty of Portugal and the United Kingdom / Ireland and further boost for the most dynamic sectors of Netherlands and Germany.

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Beyond the traditional sun and sea and golf, the Algarve should bet on five more products to mitigate seasonality and complete the offer.

At the product level, there are the following lines:  In terms of product sun and sea, there is the need to develop accessibility in the middle season and new markets in the summer, enrich the experience, promote the upgrading of urban areas and bring the product to market.  In golf, there is the need to promote the rehabilitation of the surrounding areas, develop content and making it available channels and bring the product to market.  In the residential tourism, there is the need to launch specific mechanisms and instruments for the consolidation of the financial structure of enterprises, enhance the promotion and marketing of the Algarve as residential tourism destination and available on the Internet systematic and targeted information to the client, and support for placing the product on the market.  In nature tourism, there is the need to develop content and making it available on channels, create diversity of experiences, walks on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, specialize the service / experience, and develop good sustainability practices throughout the value chain of the product birdwatching.  In the nautical tourism, there is the need to raise awareness among foreign and borders service, and captaincies to continue and increase the focus on standardization and streamlining of procedures, promote the provision of marinas and leisure ports depending on mooring posts available, sensitize municipalities for quality and good access to beaches, disseminate international events and promote the provision of surfing.  In business tourism, there is the need to develop infrastructure up to 3000 people and complementary equipment, develop specialized services and place the product on market.  In health tourism, especially the medical tourism level, there is the need to develop and strengthen the structuring of integrated medical offers of services in tourist services and to promote their marketing.  In aspects of wellness (spa and thalassotherapy), there is the need to develop content to made available on channels and densify the diversity of experiences made available to customers.  In religious and cultural tours, there is the need to put the georeferenced resources in value, develop content and information to the client, and encourage and diversify experiences.  Under the product food and wine, there is the need to densify activities, develop content and experience, in particular with the integration of local products in the operation of tourist units, and integrate the offer on promotion and marketing platforms.

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A1.3: Algarve Regional Spatial Plan (PROT Algarve - 2007)

Strategic objectives:

I. To qualify and diversify the tourism / leisure cluster The restructuring of the regional economic base, starting with the qualification and diversification of tourism and services by this induced, is a necessary condition for the development of the region. It is therefore necessary to ensure the competitiveness of the tourism / leisure, especially in the most attractive market segments; to diversify tourism in terms of markets and products, maintaining the attractiveness of the sun and the beach; promote the emergence of tourist segments with higher added value and an important sector of "leisure industries"; strengthen the quality of tourism services and complementary activities; and densify the relationships between different economic activities of the region.

II. Strengthen and qualify the economy, promote knowledge intensive activities The qualification of human, organizational and business resources is a key vector for action in pursuit of this strategic objective. Strengthen and qualify the economy and promote knowledge intensive activities still mean, to the Algarve, to encourage the emergence of a solid core of advanced services to 'export' whether in complementary tourism areas - for example, health – or in business services for customers outside the region; develop new industrial activities based on technology and knowledge; achieve levels of excellence in teaching and research niches; and generalize the introduction of knowledge and creativity in the economic activities of the region. The industries related to recreational boating, renewable energies and sport can be an example of new sectors driven by tourism / leisure cluster.

III. To promote a balanced and competitive territorial model In a tourist area, a balanced and competitive territorial model should, first of all, preserve competitiveness factors from that activity, recovering the quality of spaces and the landscape, preserving the natural heritage and removing the degradation factors - physical, economic and social – in certain areas. A balanced territorial model has to be geared towards the recovery of the value of the natural, cultural and landscape heritage and its role in management regarding future generations, for the rehabilitation of the coastline and removal of excessive pressures on it and the promotion of the potential exploitation of less developed areas of the interior. Promote balanced and competitive territorial model containing the urban pressure on the coast and increasing the potential for development of depressed areas of the

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interior, ensuring territorial cohesion and the integrated use of the potentials of different territories, structure a strong urban system and well inserted between the European dynamics of innovation and competitiveness dimensions, qualify equipment and urban services and encourage the development of advanced and higher level urban functions, are essential objectives to be achieved.

IV. To consolidate a sustainable and durable environmental system In the Algarve this heritage is of particular importance and has to be seen also as a support feature to its economic specialization. The competitiveness of the tourism / leisure cluster is dependent on the public space and landscape quality resilience and high levels of environmental protection and conservation of nature and cultural heritage. To consolidate a sustainable and durable environmental system, ensuring the structure and function of natural and semi-natural systems and their contribution to the development of socio-economic activities in the Algarve, to promote nature conservation and biodiversity, ensuring mutual coordination with the social activities -economic, regain the quality of public space and landscape and ensuring the availability of resources for development, are important objectives to be achieved.

Strategic options: 1. Environmental Sustainability, which translates protection concerns and enhancement of natural resources and biodiversity; 2. Territorial rebalancing, which are reflected territorial cohesion objectives and further development of disadvantaged areas within the region; 3. Urban Structuring, through which guides the urban system from the perspective of better links with the rural areas, strengthening territorial competitiveness and international projection of the Region; 4. Qualification and Diversification of Tourism, with the fundamental objective of improving the competitiveness and sustainability of tourism / leisure cluster, evolving to a higher quality offer and greater diversity of tourism products; 5. Protection and Enhancement of Cultural Heritage Historical and Archaeological, which is a recognition of the potential use of this territorial resource; 6. Structuring of Collective Equipment networks, which are structural elements of the territorial reorganization of the Region; 7. Structuring of Transport and Logistics Networks, a logic of competitiveness and territorial balance and greater integration into national and European spaces.

TOURISM SECTOR - Operative Goals  Enhancing the image of the region, built on the tourist attractiveness as a key element to attract people with different profiles and from different geographical origins, through diversification, differentiation and qualification of tourism activities, increasing the attraction of motives and incorporating more value added in the offer;

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 To diversify and differentiate tourism and leisure products, both to offset the demand on the coastline, such as stimulating the supply of products with higher added value and lower seasonality; provide the tourism ventures, equipment and appropriate complementary infrastructure, including support for nautical tourism infrastructure, pools and solariums, health and wellness tourism facilities, outdoor spaces, recreational facilities, etc., with suitable locations and articulated with the regional urban network;  Establish guidelines on net growth in accommodation offer and its desired rate as well as on capacities of the territorial units, including the definition of suitable models for expansion of residential areas, both in major urban centers such as the reclassification of building areas dispersed;  Adopt a policy of upgrading and repositioning the offer of classified and not rated tourist accommodation, set the framework, the integration and tourist qualification of tourism real estate and unclassified supply;  Value spaces with tourist vocation oriented to promote excellence, to frame the Tourism Development Centers, under the amendment / revision of municipal master plans;  Promote exclusively tourist offers of excellence in coastline areas with a carrying capacity for these uses, in line with environmental sustainability options;  Explain the concept of Tourism Development Unit within the general framework of the "Structuring Investments" for the region and define rules for the licensing and implementation, introducing qualifying criteria of the offer, subject to the principles of sustainable development and social and territorial cohesion;  Proceed to the regional setting of the national expansion policy for the golf market and the definition of supply growth parameters;  Define strategic framework orientation, including territorial, economic and environmental, and public investment program for marinas, and for recovery of coastal resources with further attention, the valences of cruise tourism and sport fishing;  Promote cultural activities and enhance cultural tourism, creating new products and attracting reasons to incorporate greater added value in regional tourism.

A1.4: STRATEGIC MARKETING PLAN FOR THE ALGARVE TOURISM (2015-2018)

Strategic vision for the Algarve tourism: 2015- 2018

Competitive tourist region, renowned for the quality of its offer and sustained growth:

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 Sharp competitiveness by developing a culture of partnership that enables efficient management of resources, resulting in increased attractiveness and performance improvement.  Enhancement of resources of the region in order to create value and national and international recognition as a quality tourist destination.  Increase of tourist activity in the region being an inducer of social and economic progress, generating positive externalities that support sustained growth in the region.

Strategic guidelines

A. Consolidated products 1. Sun and Sea 2. Golf 3. Residential tourism

B. Complementary products 1. Food and Wine 2. Touring 3. Health Tourism

C. Products under development 1. Business tourism 2. Nature Tourism 3. Nautical Tourism

Despite representing a significant share in Europe, the Algarve is still in its design phase Key success factors:  diversity of natural resources and its sustainable management;  Wide and varied range of routes and itineraries adapted to various types of tourists;  Existence of parks and nature reserves;  Existence of support services (e.g.: hire of equipment and materials, transport);  Good accessibility;  Cleaning and maintenance of the surrounding areas;  Appropriate infrastructure hosting, signalling and basic equipment;  Guides and monitors with ability in foreign languages;  Accommodation integrated into the natural surroundings;  Certification system of natural areas and companies.

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Algarve situation:  Vast natural resources: 1 nature reserve, 2 natural parks, Natura 2000 network, protected landscapes and natural monuments;  Climate favourable to the practice of many outdoor activities (hiking, birdwatching, cycling and adventure sports);  Complementary offer, representative of the authenticity and tranquillity associated with nature tourism;  Wide biodiversity (fauna and flora), with specific elements of the region;  Natural resources unprepared for the tourist fruition;  Inadequacy of current regulations regarding nature conservation compatible with tourist activity;  Poor monitoring of activities and nature tourism companies;  Lack of skilled human resources.

Proposal for segmentation of tourism products for target markets

MARKETS

German y Spain Netherl ands Ireland Portugal United Kingdo Belgium m Denmar k France Sweden Switzerl and Austria Canada Finland Norway Poland Russia Sun and Sea Golf Meeting Industry Health Nautical Resident ial Touring Nature Food and Wine Sport Motor caravan

ning Accessi ble /

PRODUCTS Senior

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Priority markets Betting markets Markets to be monitored

Action plans

A. Articulation between industry players 1. Creation of cooperation networks and working groups for each product.

B. Development of a regional culture supporting tourism 1. Targeted awareness campaign for residents 2. Education for agents of the tourism sector in the region 3. Awareness actions with the student population

C. Marketing Intelligence 1. Monitoring mechanisms of tourist activity. 2. Studies in the tourism area 3. Academic research in tourism 4. Discussion forums 5. Destination sustainability monitoring

D. Air accessibility 1. Direct links to major airports

E. Qualification of services and human resources 1. Certification 2. Specialized technical training 3. Promotion of careers in tourism

F. Promotion 1. Redefinition of the communication strategy 2. Digital marketing; 3. Trading Platform

G. Offer enrichment 1. Visit Valuation 2. Entertainment 3. Enhancement of resources / products – Tasks regarding Nature Tourism: a. Organize an annual event of international renown, for disclosure, testing and marketing of this product; b. Raise awareness on management bodies of natural spaces to the need to entitle conditions for the development of service competencies, and conducting groups;

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c. Identify by-products with potential for immediate structuring; d. Create quality label for companies that provide services within the by-product Birdwatching; e. Develop content and communication media; f. Develop / maintain informative and guiding signage to drive tourists along the various paths and routes; g. Develop a management model, monitor and promote in an integrated manner the existing routes and those to be created.

A1.5: SOUTHWEST ALENTEJO AND VICENTINA COAST NATURAL PARK LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN (POPNSACV-2011)

The PNSACV is located on the southwest coast of mainland Portugal, assembled in the regions of Alentejo and Algarve, developing from the Ribeira da Junqueira, north of Porto Covo in the municipality of Sines, to the municipality of Vila do Bispo, next to Burgau, still covering the territory of the municipalities of Odemira and Aljezur.

Tourist developments

In the PNSACV area only the following types are allowed: a) Hotel establishments (4 star guesthouses and hotels or more); b) rural tourism projects; c) camping and caravan parks; d) tourism ventures in rural areas (rural hotel); e) tourism ventures in rural areas (villas and agritourism ventures). It is only allowed to build new tourist developments outside the coastal zone and Type II additional protected areas.

Specific intervention areas for the conservation of nature and biodiversity correspond to areas to carry out enhancement, protection, recovery, rehabilitation or retraining interventions, with the objective of increasing or restoring their ecological value:  Carrapateira Cliffs (Aljezur);  Lagoons and temporary ponds;  Sagres area (Vila do Bispo);  Vila Rosalinda (Aljezur), Acomave and Esparregueiras (Vila do Bispo).

Specific intervention areas for the promotion of cultural heritage have the following objectives: a) safeguarding, preservation, alteration, reconstruction, recovery, research and integration of cultural heritage values, environmental education and the promotion of local development; b) recover authentic character cultural of buildings or other structures for its traditional vocation for nature tourism; c)

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environmental education actions and dissemination, promotion and enhancement of the cultural heritage values.

Specific intervention area of historical and archaeological nature aims to promote historical and archaeological heritage, ensuring the conditions of access and visit compatible with the preservation of cultural and natural values. In the specific area of intervention of historical and archaeological nature enhancement of existing assets, information activities using signs or other information media should be carried out:  In the municipality of Aljezur: the Ponta do Castelo, the Ribat of Arrifana, the Fortress of Arrifana, the Bronze Age Necropolis of Vale da Telha, the underwater archaeological site of Nau "La Condessa" in Carrapateira, the Forte of Carrapateira, the Historical Center of Carrapateira, the Historical Centre of Bordeira and Historical Center of Aljezur;  In Vila do Bispo municipality: Sagres fortress, the Belixe fortress, the Cape St. Vincent fortress, the Monte dos Amantes, the menhirs of Padrao/ Milrei, the Zavial Fort, the Fort of de Nossa Senhora da Guia da Baleeira, the Luz Fortress, the Vila do Bispo Historical Center, the Figueira Historical Center, the archaeological site of Vale do Boi, Boca do Rio, the islets of Martinhal and the Ocean Ship.

The Charter of Nature Sport defines the locations and other conditions for the practice of nature sports activities, periods and the maximum number of practitioners also may define other forms of nature tourism activities allowed in areas of partial protection type II and additional protected areas.

In the area of PNSACV, interventions on the coastline are governed by POOC (the Coastal Zone Management Plan). Scuba diving, surfing, body boarding, windsurfing and similar activities as well as sports, recreational and cultural activities is allowed, except for total protection areas.

Actions and activities to promote

Onshore area:  The enhancement of the landscape, including restoration measures of degraded areas;  The conservation, enhancement and dissemination of geological heritage;  The preservation and reconstruction of the architectural and archaeological heritage;  Information and training actions that promote knowledge and dissemination of natural and sociocultural values;  Setting up of handicraft activity and the production of local products;

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 The disclosure, signalling and management of interpretive paths or others associated with recreational, sporting, cultural or educational activities;  Support for environmental education, dissemination and recognition of natural and cultural heritage values and the enjoyment of local values, like landscape, cuisine and handicrafts.

Marine area and inland waterway:  Conservation of marine and inland waterway biodiversity;  The promotion of nature tourism in the perspective of development and on the conservation of resources;  Protection, safeguarding, enjoyment and enhancement of cultural landscapes and historic cultural heritage - underwater archaeology  The promotion of best practices in traditional economic activities (local fishing with selective gear);  Information, awareness and environmental education.

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A1.6: RIA FORMOSA NATURAL PARK LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN (POPNRF – 2009)

The PNRF applies to the area covering part of the municipalities of Loulé, Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António.

Specific objectives: a) Promote the conservation and recovery of terrestrial and aquatic habitats and species of indigenous flora and fauna, particularly the natural values of community interest; b) Recover and restore the habitats of waterfowl population and maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of globally threatened plant species; c) Prevent the degradation of sensitive geological and geomorphological systems; d) Repair the processes that can lead to degradation of the natural and landscape values involved, creating conditions for their maintenance and enhancement; e) Promote the planning of the different activities carried out in the water plan and adjacent areas, in particular the proper exploitation of fisheries resources in order to ensure their sustainability and the minimization of impacts on biodiversity; f) To ensure the safeguarding and enhancement of the archaeological (terrestrial and underwater), cultural, architectural, historical and traditional heritage in the region, as a complement to the conservation of nature and biodiversity; g) Encourage the recovery of traditional products from PNRF; h) Promote and disseminate nature tourism; i) Promote environmental education, dissemination and recognition of natural and socio-cultural values, contributing to the recognition of the value of the PNRF and raising awareness about the need for their protection, especially the economic and social agents and populations residents in the region; j) To promote scientific research and knowledge of present ecosystems, as well as monitoring natural habitats and populations of flora and fauna species, contributing to adaptive management based heavily on technical and scientific knowledge; k) To ensure the active participation of all public and private entities, working closely with local residents in order to achieve the objectives of protecting and promoting the natural, scenic and cultural values of the PNRF.

Actions and activities to promote: a) The conservation of the most important natural habitats in the PNRF, especially the Community interest listed in specific legislation, such as salt meadows, Halophyte woods, salt steppes and dunes and temporary ponds;

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b) Conservation of the most important flora and fauna values in the PNRF, especially species of Community interest listed in specific legislation and other endemic or endangered species; c) The control of not indigenous invasive plant species; d) Recovery actions of degraded forest areas, particularly those where there are exceptional botanical values; e) Landscape Rehabilitation, particularly of spaces occupied by forest stands singly; f) Valuation of geological heritage and landscape as socio-economic development factors; g) Conservation and maintenance of salt pans; h) The conversion of forestry practices to extensive multiple use forest with native species; i) Sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources; j) Regulation of traditional exploitations of the Natural Park of Ria Formosa, establishing guidelines or orientations for its maintenance, to protect, safeguarding, enjoyment and enhancement of cultural landscapes and historical and archaeological cultural heritage as a development factor, recognizing its value as element of originality, differentiation and identity and memory statement; k) Regulation of facilities and activities that may have negative impacts, ordering its implementation and operation and conditioning them to comply with the impact minimization measures; l) Active management of forest stands, which enhances its multiple use and the reduction of fire risk, through preventive actions and measures consistent with the conservation of natural values; m) Farming through appropriate practices to soil exploitation and of which does not lead the degradation of natural values involved, particularly through the dissemination of integrated production methods and organic farming, and by providing information concerning good agricultural practice; n) The promotion of traditional products of regional base and tourist activities that respect and promote the natural values of the region; o) Nature tourism that enhance the correct enjoyment of the natural values of the PNRF and promote sustainable development of the region; p) Environmental education and the dissemination of knowledge of natural and socio-cultural values, seeking greater understanding and public support for the management and promotion of the classification status of the PNRF; q) Disclosure, signalling and management of interpretive paths or others associated with recreational, sporting, cultural or educational activities, aimed at recognizing the natural values and the enjoyment of ambiences and local equipment; r) The development of scientific studies, in particular the characterization and monitoring of biological values, and coastal sediment dynamics, and the creation of conditions for receiving and work of technicians and researchers;

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s) The recovery and development of cultural heritage, particularly of the most important archaeological and architectural elements, harmonizing its use with the objectives of nature conservation and biodiversity.

Nature tourism is the most appropriate tourist typology for Protected Areas, developing in various ways of lodging, complementary activities and services for environmental animation, allowing to contemplate and enjoy the natural, architectural, landscape and cultural heritage, considering the supply of an integrated and diversified tourism product.

The PNRF allows the following types of nature tourism ventures: a) rural tourism ventures; b) tourism ventures in rural areas; c) camping and caravan parks.

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APPENDIX B

B1 - Stakeholders Consulted

Tourism Development International undertook a series of face to face consultations during September and October 2015.

Organisation Contact Name

ANA Aeroportos de Portugal Francisco V. Pita

Helder D. Lemos

Turismo de Portugal Dr. Luis Matoso

Teresa Ferreira

Carla Margarida Simões

Turismo do Algarve João Fernandes

Duarte Padinha

Algarve Tourism Association Dora Coelho

Ana Vargues

Faro Municipal Authority João Correia Vargues

Paulo Santos

Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of Elidérico Viegas Algarve (AHETA)

Association of Hotelier Industrial and Similar of Daniel do Adro Algarve (AIHSA)

AMAL - Associação de Municipios do Algarve Jorge Coelho

Almargem-Associação de Defesa do Património Anabela Santos Cultural e Ambiental do Algarve

Rota Vicentina Association Marta Cabral

Odiana Joana Germano

Federação Portuguesa de Ciclismo Sandro D. Araújo

Marco Fernandes

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Organisation Contact Name

Algarve Regional Coordination and António Ramos Development Commission (CCDR-Alg)

ARA (Associação das Empresas de Rent-a-car Armando Santana do Algarve)

ARAC (Associação dos Industriais de Aluguer de Honorio Teixeira Automóveis sem Condutor)

MEGASPORT (Portuguese Federation of Cycle Fernando Canteiro Tourism and Bicycle Users rep) Cristina Dias

Swift Momentum Sports Tomas Swift Metcalfe

Walkin’ Sagres Carla Cabrita

Proactive tour João Ministro

Live Love Ride Pedro Rocha

Hotel Vila Gale Lagos Sofia Ribeiro

University of Algarve Maria Joao Custorio

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B2 – Local Trade Survey Participants 1. Alameda Hostel 2. Hotel São Sebastião de Boliqueime 3. PRIORITYPARADISE - AGÊNCIA DE TURISMO LDA 4. Casa Modesta 5. Descansa Pernas 6. Girafa Sábia 7. Pick Me Up - Viagens e Turismo, Lda 8. Memmo Baleeira 9. Frederica Costa, Unipessoal, Lda 10. Residencial Rocha da Gralheira 11. Michael Coelho Guerreiro 12. Urbanização Setobra 13. Luís Miguel Agostinho Gonçalves 14. Vicentina Travel 15. Companhia das Culturas (Estabelecimento de Hospedagem) 16. MAGIKCOURTESY - UNIPESSOAL LDA 17. Monchique Alternativtour, Animação Turística, Unipessoal, Lda 18. Castle Alcoutim 19. Globalroute - Transporte de Passageiros 20. Moradia 21. Myttaxi - Agencia de Viagens, Lda 22. Condomínio do Mar 23. DAILY RENT, LDA. 24. Hotel Residencial Salema 25. Du 4 Arte Hostel 26. Vila Fóia 27. Casa Bamboo 28. S. José Algarve Hostel 29. Casa Azul 30. Duas Quintas 31. EXUBERGALÁXIA, Animação Turistica, Unipessoal, Lda 32. Jocrival, Serviços de Taxi Lda 33. Apartamentos Turísticos Balaia Sol 34. Etnogarbe 35. A ROCHA Life, Unipessoal Lda 36. Júpiter Algarve Hotel 37. Estúdios Salinas 38. Apartamento 203 39. Sheraton Algarve Hotel & Pine Cliffs Resort 40. Hotel Vila Galé Marina 41. Apartamentos Turísticos Cerro Mar Atlântico 42. Aldeamento Turístico Vilanova Resort 43. Hotel Apartamento Tivoli Marina Portimão 44. Blue & Green Vilalara Thalassa

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45. HOTEL - APARTAMENTO GOLDEN DUNA 46. LAGORENT - RENT A CAR, LDA. 47. Stork Hostel 48. Casa Bela Moura 49. Luxury On Two Wheels 50. MTBIKES Algarve 51. SAL 52. Pousada da Juventude de Faro 53. Parque de Campismo de Espiche - Turiscampo 54. Apple Holidays 55. Guest House Capitão Mor 56. Quinta do Mel 57. Rotas Ancestrais 58. Turitravel 59. Alvor Travel - Agência de Viagens 60. Portugal 4U 61. Monte João Roupeiro 62. Bartholomeu Guest House 63. Parque de Campismo de Albufeira 64. Apartamentos Turísticos Oasis Village 65. Táxis Pinheiro & Delmira, Lda 66. Monte da Xara 67. My Choice Algarve 68. White Sun Hostel 69. ALUGUERMOTO - ALUGUER DE VELOCÍPEDES, LDA. 70. Vila Muchima 71. Hotel Torre Velha 72. Apartamentos Costa D'oiro Ambiance Village 73. Vila Monte - Farm House 74. PRIME CHAUFFERS, UNIPESSOAL LDA 75. One2seven 76. Bed & Breakfast Villa Laguna 77. Top Atlântico 78. Hostel Victória 79. Formosamar, Lda - Formosamar 80. Apartamentos Turísticos Pine Cliffs Residence 81. Apartamentos Atalaia 82. Transgharb 83. Aldeamento Turístico Four Seasons Fairways 84. Casa Azul 85. Hotel Magnólia 86. Valente & Carvalho - Fun Bike Shop 87. Branquinho da Silva 88. Transfar - Agência de Viagens e Turismo, Unipessoal, Lda. 89. Parque Rural da Quinta de Odelouca 90. The Mountain Bike Adventure

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B2 – International Trade Survey Participants

1. Merlot Reiser Norway 2. Topo-Aktief Netherlands 3. HilltopTreks Ireland 4. Cycle Classic Tours Netherlands 5. Grand Angle France 6. Temaresor Sweden 7. ReiseSpass Germany 8. Merlot Tours Denmark 9. Aarts Wandelreizen Netherlands 10. One Foot Abroad Ireland 11. Wikinger Reisen Germany 12. Headwater Holidays UK 13. Easy Rider Tours USA 14. J Barter Travel Group Ireland 15. Solo Walks Denmark 16. S-cape Travel Spain 17. Breakaway Adventures USA 18. Adventure Holidays Ireland 19. Garda Mountaineering Club Ireland 20. Slane Striders Ireland

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APPENDIX C Photographic Overview

Section 1: Rota Vicentina

Image 1: View north to Alentejo from near Odeceixe on the Rota Vicentina – Fisherman’s Way

Image 2: Rota Vicentina directional signage

Image 3: Rota Vicentina, local route bridge infrastructure, good quality construction

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Image 4: Cliff top boardwalk at Carrapateira (16: Trail of Tides and part of the Fisherman’s Way)

Image 5: Boardwalk at Carrapateira (wheelchair accessible, high quality)

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Image 6: Views south on the Fisherman’s Way

Image 7: Well-constructed boardwalk infrastructure

Image 8: Rota Vicentina orientation signage at Cape St Vincent (good quality)

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Section 2: Ecovia do Litoral

Image 9: Poor quality Ecovia signage at Cape St Vincent, with Rota Vicentina and Via Algarviana signage nearby

Image 10 & 11: Rusting Ecovia signage at Cape St Vincent

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Image 12: Ecovia signage at Faro

Image 13: Faded blue line denoting path of Ecovia, much has disappeared rendering the concept obsolete

Image 14: High quality off-road section of the Ecovia between Tavira and Vila Real do Santo Antonio

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Image 15: Ecovia orientation signage, expensive to maintain

Image 16 &17: High quality off-road section of the Ecovia between Tavira and Vila Real do Santo Antonio – shows what the trail could/should be like all the way

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Image 18: Attractive waterfront & route of Ecovia at Vila Real de Santo Antonio

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Image 19: Ecovia signage at Vila Real de Santo Antonio

Image 20: Ecovia signage at Vila Real de Santo Antonio

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Section 3: Guadiana Corridor

Image 21: Grande Rota do Guadiana signage at Odeleite

Image 22: Signage for PR4 at Odeleite – very good quality signage

Image 23: View from PR1 above Laranjeiras over Rio Guadiana

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Image 24: PR1 signage at Larenjerias

Image 25: Grande Rota do Guadiana (GR15) signage

Image 25: PR1 stated as suitable for mountain-bikes, surface would indicate intermediate+ riders only

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Image 26: View towards Alcoutim from Grande Rota do Guadiana, showing attractive river valley

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Section 4: Via Algarviana

Image 27: Via Algarviana directional signage at Alcoutim

Image 28: Via Algarviana orientation signage at Alcoutim, might be better located near the tourism information office with directional signage leading from it.

Image 29: Via Algarviana directional signage at Casas Baixas, alongside In Loco orientation signage

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Image 30: Via Algarviana directional signage at Casas Baixas

Image 31: Via Algarviana directional signage at Casas Baixas, alongside In Loco directional signage

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Image 32: Tia Bia at Barranco Velho, 9 bed overnight accommodation for Via Algarviana with very good quality food

Image 33: Broken Via Algarviana (GR13) and local route (PR4MCQ) signage at Monchique

Image 34: Sun faded Via Algarviana signage at Monchique – should be removed/replaced

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Image 35: Via Algarviana directional signage near Monchique

Image 36: Via Algarviana local route directional signage that has been vandalised with black spray paint

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Image 37: Via Algarviana directional signage near Monchique, very effective

Image 38: Via Algarviana directional signage, new, good quality and effective

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Image 39: Via Algarviana directional signage near Monchique

Image 40: New Via Algarviana directional signage near Monchique, very effective and more resistant to vandalism

Image 41: View over Monchique

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Section 5: Local Routes – Inland

Image 42: Rocha de Pena interpretative signage, good quality (trail maintained by Loule Municipal Council who have good reputation for trail development, trail also 72: Rocha de Pena Trail)

Image 43: View up Rocha de Pena escarpment Image 44: Rocha de Pena pathway

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Image 45: Expansive view from top of Rocha de Pena towards the coast with sea views

Image 46: View from top of Rocha de Pena with views over inland countryside

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Image 47: In Loco orientation signage at Feiteria

Image 48: Poor quality In Loco directional signage near Casas Baixes

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Image 49: Entrance to Fonte Ferrea – recreational facility with opportunities for bird-watching – great potential yet not included on 36 walks in the Turismo do Portugal guide

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Image 50: Café facility and good quality orientation signage at Fonte Ferrea

Image 51: Bird-watching signage near Fonte Ferrea

Image 52: Text heavy orientation panel for local route at Monchique

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Image 53: Good quality orientation signage for local walking route at Barranco Velho

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Section 6: Local Routes - South Coast

Image 55: Attractive centre of Vila Real de Santo Antonio – potential for historic walking trail

Image 56: Off road cycling route alongside N125 near Villa Real de Santo Antonio

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Image 57: Local route orientation signage near Monto Gordo – 160: Aldeia Nova Interpretation Trail

Image 58 & 59: Local cycling and walking route trail and signage near Monto Gordo

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Image 60: Cyclists on local route near Monto Gordo

Image 61: Lake on local cycling and walking route near Monto Gordo with opportunities for birdwatching including bird hide

Image 62 & 63 & 65: Boardwalk connection to beach on Aldeia Nova route near Monto Gordo

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Image 66: Attractive centre of Tavira – potential for historic town walking trail

Image 67: Unattractive entrance to Rio Formosa Natural Park Headquarters and Interpretation Centre, operated by INCF, near Olhao. Current system of arrival, speaking to security guard, paying €2 and then gaining entrance to car park is confusing for visitors. Would be more effective if visitors were to pay for parking on exit with clearer signage to explain this.

Image 68: Poor quality signage at Rio Formosa NP that should be removed on 50: Nature Discovery Trail of the Marim Environmental Education Centre

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Image 69: Poor quality directional signage at Marim Environmental Education Centre

Image 70: Poor quality trail surface at Marim Environmental Education Centre that would be more attractive as a boardwalk

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Image 71: Poor quality, ineffective directional signage at Marim Environmental Education Centre that urgently needs replacing

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Image 72: Poor quality interpretive signage at Marim Environmental Education Centre – huge potential but needs investment

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Image 73: Café at Marim Environmental Education Centre – not used effectively with machines for coffee and snacks but with huge potential (50-60,000 visitors p.a. currently) and outdoor space

Image 74: Underused exhibition space at Marim Environmental Education Centre

Image 75: Restored mediaeval tidal watermill at Marim Environmental Education Centre – very attractive environment and enables visitors proximity to open sea views

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Image 76: View over Rio Formosa Natural Park from Hotel Eva restaurant, Faro indicating connection between Faro and the wetlands

Image 77 and 78: Boardwalk walkway around Ilha da Culatra, with Peter Mac Nulty surveying

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Image 79: Town walls at Faro, significant opportunity for historical town walking route – this view shows previous investment in pathways that has now deteriorated.

Image 80: Attractive new cycle path at Parque Ribeirinho de Faro with local cafes that would benefit from increased visitors

Image 81: Attractive new cycle path at Parque Ribeirinho de Faro showing proximity to wetlands and airport in the distance

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Image 82: Parque Ribeirinho de Faro indicating total investment of €1,367,695 with Turismo do Portugal contribution of €836,261

Image 83: Trail surface at Parque Ribeirinho de Faro that has deteriorated due to over-spraying from irrigation system

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Image 85, 86, 87, 88, 89 – these images indicate the existing pathway around the perimeter of Faro Airport, which with upgrading of the trail standard, would provide a connection between the city centre of Faro (marina) via Parque Ribeirinho de Faro to Faro Beach (Praia do Faro) – this could be easily cycled in 15-20 minutes providing visitor access to the beach.

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Image 90: View of salt pans along the route which would provide opportunities for visitor interpretation related to the salt production process.

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Image 91: Single-lane causeway bridge connection to Praia do Faro with no cycle lane – in need of upgrading

Image 93 & 94: Praia de Faro with very attractive fishermen’s cottages

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Image 95: Boardwalk at Alvor (27: At the Whim of the Tides and also PR2PTM Complementary Path on the Via Algarviana – which would appear to be too disconnected from the Via Algarviana to be a linked trail)

Image 96 & 97: Local walking route at Alvor with beach connection

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Image 98: Trail surface at Alvor showing damaged trail surface that makes it difficult for cyclists and buggies to walk the route – route would also benefit from some interpretive signage

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Image 99: Orientation signage at Alvor indicating this is a local route of the Via Algarviana – this could be considered too far from the route of the Via Algarviana to be considered a loop route off this long distance trail – TDI would question the appropriateness of this initiative.

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Image 100: Bridge at Lagos showing best-practice segregation of road and cycle/pedestrian traffic. This could be replicated at Praia do Faro, see image 91

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Image 101: Cycle route at Lagos showing road with no cycle path – dangerous interaction of cycles and cars was observed – this needs a segregated cycle route to be considered part of the Ecovia route

Image 102: If visitors ask for a walking route at Lagos they are mostly directed towards Praia do Pinhao, an hour return walk which has significant potential and is highly attractive. This image shows the unattractive start to the walk.

Image 103-105: Cliff top pathway between Lagos centre and Praia do Pinhao – this heavily eroded pathway has collapsed and a fence has been put in place. This is clearly dangerous and small

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children could easily walk through and fall down a 30m drop to rocks below. This should be rectified immediately.

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Image 106 & 107: Highly eroded pathway leading down to Praia do Pinhao. Impossible for wheelchair access and lack of appropriate surfacing leads to ongoing erosion given significant visitor use

Image 108 & 109: Praia do Pinhao is an attractive beach which many people want to access

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Image 109-111: Wooden staircase at the western end of the beach – heavily used and unsafe

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Image 112: This image shows one of the main supports for this staircase which is not fixed due to erosion. It is only a matter of time until collapse and potential visitor injury or death.

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Image 113: Severe trail erosion west of Praia do Pinhao

Image 114: Damaged steps at Praia do Pinhao

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Image 115-117: Coastal walk from Saleme to Sagres, no walks in this area were included in the Turismo do Portugal walking guide despite having significant international comparative potential

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Image 118: One section of the walk near Salema would require intervention in the form of a short boardwalk around one dangerous section with a drop to enable the walk to be used safely by all user groups – this would not be expensive to do

Image 119: High quality visitor stairway connecting car park to beach at Salema that is made of recycled plastic & therefore resistant to erosion. This example could be replicated at Praia do Faro.

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Image 120: View from Sagres Fort to Cape St Vincent – clifftop off-road greenway would provide a significant attraction

Image 121: View from Cape St Vincent – the most south-westerly point in Europe. This view also shows the part of the lighthouse buildings which are still occupied by staff and which should be converted to a café/visitor centre as this area offers the most spectacular views.

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APPENDIX D Hotels and Activity Providers Website Audit

A. Hotels Website Audit

1. Bikotels in Algarve

Name/Website Walking Cycling Social Media Notes

Aldeia da Pedralva Special page regarding trekking Special page regarding their Links to Facebook, Twitter, Cycling and walking only (Vila do Bispo) and hiking in Portuguese mountain biking centre in Youtube. mentioned as part of a list of http://www.aldeiadapedralva.com/ version only. Rental of hiking Portuguese version only, including activities available in the area in hotel-overview.html equipment, guided tours, types of bikes to rent, and map of They are not very active on the English/Spanish and (prices included) map of trails trails network these social media sites German versions of the site

Hotel Made Inn Walking mentioned as part of Bike Rental Available Twitter Facebok and Basic website (Portimão) activities in area Linkedin. Moderate http://www.madeinn.com.pt participation in social media – not cycling/walking related

Hotel Zodíaco Not mentioned Membership of Bikotel on No links to Social Media Basic website (Quarteira) Homepage and special page for http://www.hotel-zodiaco.com Bikotel Service:

Outdoor bike parking; - Bike secured garage; - Laundry service; - Bike washing facility; - Cyclist menu (carbo, fruit and

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Name/Website Walking Cycling Social Media Notes

veggy); - Mini-Bike repair station with basic tool set and pump; - Bike routes for road or mountain biking with maps, technical data and GPS tracks.

Cabanas Park Mentioned on the Portuguese Membership of Bikotel on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter The English version is for the (Tavira/Cabanas) version as part of the ‘Nature Homepage for the Group of Hotels group of hotel – Bike Package http://www.algarveresorts.net/Cab Tourism’ page. for another hotel of the group anas-Park-Resort.php Golden Club Cabanas Walking in the Ria Formosa Park Bike rental available Twitter and Facebook. Website badly laid out (Tavira/Cabanas) highlighted Regular posts about http://www.goldenclube.pt/ Cycling in Ria Formosa Park and 2 activities at the Club – not options from the Park to either walking or cycling related Tavira or the Port

Hotel Aqua Pedra dos Bicos Walking not mentioned Cycle Tourism in the Algarve Facebook – not very active Basic information www.aquapedradosbicos.com/offer Featured at the bottom of since May /cycle-tourism-in-the-algarve- Homepage. Offered in partnership please-contact-us-for-offer-dates with Megasport. No details on cycling offer on Website - just a link to Megasport

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2. Other Accommodation in Algarve

Name/Website Walking Cycling Social Media Notes

Estalagem Aeromar Walking not mentioned Bike Rental Small presence on Facebook Nice page on Ria Formosa (Faro) http://www.aeromar.net/pt Hotel Memmo Baleeira Webpage on Trekking incl Link Webpage on cycling Facebook, Google +, Wide array of information for (Sagres) to http://www.atalaia- Youtube, Instagram walkers/cyclists. http://www.memmohotels.com/bal walking.com/en/ and partnership with Megasport to offer eeira/pt/mountain-bike-road-racing- http://www.rotavicentina.com/ cycling holidays – webpage include cycling-touring-cycling.html as well as video direct links to actual 7 nights packages / Bike Hire (Incl Price)

Details from Megasport re cycling holidays available for download

Vale d’El Rei Walking not mentioned Partnership with Megasport but no Facebook Basic Website (Lagoa/Carvoeiro) details, just general link to http://valedelrei.com/atividades-e- Megasport website lazer Velamar Walking not mentioned Partnership with Megasport but no Facebook Basic Website (Same as Vale (Albufeira/Olhos de Água) details, just general link to d’El Rei) www.velamar.pt/atividades-e-lazer Megasport website

Magnólia Small section on Walking – Ria Partnership with Megasport but no Facebook Basic Website (Same as Vale (Almancil/Quinta do Lago) Formosa. details, just general link to d’El Rei) www.hotelmagnolia.pt/atividades- Megasport website e-lazer

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Name/Website Walking Cycling Social Media Notes

Vicentina Aparthotel Walking listed as part of Cycling listed as part of activities Facebook Basic Website – not user (Aljezur) www.vicentina- activities available in the area available in the area friendly aparthotel.com/algarve-winter- (also mentioned in the text of cycling.html the Homepage of the In the Portuguese version, bike Portuguese version but not the rental and a page ‘Algarve Winter English Version) Cycling’ are listed in small front at the very bottom of the Home Page.

The bike rental link takes the reader to the Megasport website, and the Algarve Winter Cycling page relates to the partnership with Megasport

Pedras d’el Rei Walking link featured on the Algarve Winter Cycling featured on Facebook, Limited Twitter Poor Website design (Tavira/Santa Luzia) Homepage the Homepage (Megasport) http://pedrasdelrei.com/pagina/des taques/cycling/ Good information regarding the Good information regarding the pricing and details of the pricing and details of the cycling walking package available to package available to download – download – but the download but the download link is very small link is very small and does not and does not say what is included in say what is included in the the download download

Pedras da Rainha Walking not mentioned Algarve Winter Cycling featured on Facebook. Twitter account Same Website as Pedras d’el Rei (Tavira/Cabanas) the Homepage (Megasport) set-up but no tweets. http://pedrasdarainha.com/pagina/ destaques/cycling/ Good information regarding the pricing and details of the cycling package available to download – but the download link is very small

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Name/Website Walking Cycling Social Media Notes

and does not say what is included in the download

Hotel São Sebastião Walking featured as part of Mountain biking featured as part of Facebook, MySpace, Nice website (Boliqueime) activities available in area. Maps activities available in area. Hi5,YouTube, Wordpress, www.hotelboliqueime.com/algarve available at reception. Link to www.activityalgarve.com Flickr. _winter.php Link to www.activityalgarve.com Also full webpage on Algarve Winter Present but not very active Cycling Programme available in partnership with Megasport.

Hotel Faro Walking briefly mentioned as Walking briefly mentioned as part Busy on social media Business Hotel feeling from (Faro) http://www.hotelfaro.pt/ part of the Ria Formosa page of the Ria Formosa page website Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, YouTube.

MGE Hotels Walking not mentioned Cycling not mentioned Quite active on Facebook Basic website for each hotel in (Albufeira) the group http://www.mgehotels.com/mgehotels-algarve Hotel Baía Atlântico Hotel Eva Walking not mentioned Cycling not mentioned Facebook, Google+ Not geared towards activities (Faro) http://www.tdhotels.com/pt/Menu /Hoteis/Portugal/Algarve/Hotel- Eva/O-Hotel.aspx Hotel Colina dos Mouros Walking not mentioned Cycling not mentioned Not listed on website Very basic website (Silves) http://www.colinahotels.com/newsi te/#!/page_Mourospt

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Name/Website Walking Cycling Social Media Notes

Villa Termal das Caldas de Brief mention of walking on Brief mention of mountain biking on Busy on social media Spa Hotel – not geared towards Monchique home page as part of activities home page as part of activities in activities (Monchique) in the area the area Facebook, Twitter, YouTube http://www.monchiquetermas.com /hotel-overview.html Val d’Oliveiras Walking not mentioned Cycling not mentioned YouTube, quite busy on Nice website but not geared (Lagoa/Carvoeiro) Facebook towards activities http://www.valedoliveirasresort.co m Real Marina Brief mention of walking as Cycling not mentioned Facebook, Google+, Not geared towards activities (Olhão) activity available in area Pinterest http://realmarina.realhotelsgroup.c om (HoteisReal)

Ozadi Tavira Trekking mentioned as outdoor Cycling not mentioned Facebook, Google+, Sub-list of webpages hard to (Tavira) activity that can be booked Pinterest, YouTube see. http://www.ozaditavirahotel.com/h through hotel. otel-algarve Webpage on ‘Running friendly hotel’

Partnership with Run4Excellence Lack of information on what the training camp actually involves

Martinhal Vast programme of walking In partnership with Algarve Cycling Busy on social media: Hotel has a huge programme of (Sagres) tours organised by Hotel Holidays but Martinhal have Facebook, Twitter, Google+, activities for guests. http://www.martinhal.com/pt/ dedicated brochure. Pinterest

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Name/Website Walking Cycling Social Media Notes

Martinhal Bike Station provides guided & self-guided cycling weeks. Details can be downloaded.

Alte Hotel “Active Tourism” section from “Active Tourism” section from Not listed on website Basic website (Alte) homepage highlighting the homepage highlighting the cycling http://www.altehotel.com/ cycling and walking and walking opportunities of the Via opportunities of the Via Algarviana Algarviana

Hotel Apolo Activities page lists ‘Cycling, Activities page lists ‘Cycling, jogging Facebook Special webpage on special (V.R de Stº António) jogging or just walking on the or just walking on the Eco-route’ as programme for Athletes. http://www.apolo- Eco-route’ as potential activities potential activities in the area hotel.com/index.php in the area

Herdade da Corte Page on Hiking link to Via Page on Ecovia/Cycling Link to Facebook and Twitter Great base for activity holidays (Tavira) Algarviana, Suggested Ecovia website. http://www.herdadedacorte.com itineraries

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3. Hotel Companies

Name/Website Walking Cycling Social Media Notes

Grupo Vila Galé Walking listed as one of many Cycling listed as one of many Facebook, Twitter YouTube Basic Website http://www.vilagale.com activities in the area activities in the area

Hotéis Tivoli Walking not mentioned Special Offer: Cycle Tourism Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, English version for Cycling http://www.tivolihotels.com/pt/ofe Instagram Tourism not working rtas-especiais/ofertas-especiais/ver- Offered in partnership with campanhas-especiais/descobrir-o- Megasport. No details on cycling algarve-a-pedalar- offer on Website - just a link to 1.aspx?Action=1&PID=296122 Megasport

Hotéis Baía Algarve Walking not mentioned Algarve Winter Cycling page on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Basic Website http://www.baiaalgarve.com/algarv website in partnership with Instagram, Google + e-winter-cycling.html Megasport. Some information on website about possible areas for cycling.

Luna Hotels & Resorts Walking not mentioned Special Page on Algarve Winter Facebook, Twitter, YouTube Could not find the Cycling page http://www.lunahoteis.com/en/Lun Cycling – In partnership with from the Homepage a-Hotels-Resorts/Cycling- Megasport. Algarve.aspx Algarve Resorts Walking not mentioned Bike Friendly package in partnership Facebook, Twitter Validity of package January to www.algarveresorts.net/en/promoc with Megasport March 2015- 2016 not available ao.php?id=41

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B. Activity Providers Website Audit

Company / Type of Walking Description of Cycling Related Description of Social Notes Website Services (Guided/ Walking Itineraries/ Services (Guided/ Cycling Itineraries/ Media Duration) Areas Covered/ Duration) Areas Covered/ Presence Pricing Pricing LUXURY on TWO - - 5 guided tours in Full details of Itineraries Facebook, Full booking facilities WHEELS Portugal – 1 dedicated available. Instagram available online www.biketoursportuga to the Algarve 1 l.com/en including the Algarve. Full pricing information Luxury accommodation and what is included 3 self guided tours – 1 Excellent website, easy to including Algarve navigate and full of information 4 Single day tours – 3 in the Algarve

CAMINHOS DA 9 Hiking tours – (5 Full details of Itineraries 10 self guided Cycling Full details of Itineraries Facebook, Booking via booking form NATUREZA available guided) 5 in available. tours - 3 including the available. Twitter, www.portugalnaturetr the Algarve 2 of which Algarve available guided Instagram Website full of information, ails.com are available guided. Full pricing information Full pricing information but not easily navigable and what is included Road Bike and Mountain and what is included Day tours available but Bike also available no details provided Day tours available but no details provided TURAVENTUR 4 multi day walking Full description available 4 multi Day bike tours, Full description available Facebook Canoeing/jeep tours and www.portugalbestcycli tours and 3 one day and prices including 1 in Algarve and prices multi adventure tourism ng.com/ tours (not in Algarve) Booking form (self guided and guided) Booking form arts and crafts available http://www.turaventu + 3 day guided tours (not r.com/index.php?mud in Algarve) a_idioma=-en

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Company / Type of Walking Description of Cycling Related Description of Social Notes Website Services (Guided/ Walking Itineraries/ Services (Guided/ Cycling Itineraries/ Media Duration) Areas Covered/ Duration) Areas Covered/ Presence Pricing Pricing BTTour - - 14 Hybrid, Road and Full details of Itineraries Facebook, Booking online available http://pt.portugalbike. Mountain Bike tours, 4 available. Instagram, com including the Algarve YouTube, Full pricing information Linkedin, All tours available and what is included Pinterest, guided, self guided and Google+ supported.

Day bike tours available but not in the Algarve

A2Z ADVENTURES Large range of trips A lot of information on Large range of trips Full itinerary available Facebook, Booking forms online http://a2z- throughout the world. 2 the area throughout the world. for the multi day trip Google+, adventures.com/en/ locations in the Algarve 3 locations in the including prices. Pinterest, Newsletters available for (day trails) Algarve (1 multi day, 2 Twitter walking/trekking, road day trails) A lot of information on biking and mountain biking the area

Live Love Ride - - Bike tours throughout Full details of Itineraries Facebook, Booking forms online http://portugalbiketou Portugal – 2 in the available. Instagram, rs.com/ Algarve Twitter, Good website Full pricing information YouTube, and what is included Pinterest, Strava

Lisabikes - - Algarve tours (some Full details of Itineraries Facebook, Booking forms online www.lisabikes.com/ guided, some self available. Twitter, guided): Google+ Very good website – full of - Centre Based x3 Full pricing information Pinterest information on the Algarve - Trans Algarve x3 and what is included and tours provided.

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Bike Rental MEGASPORT - - - Commerce of bicycles, Full details of Itineraries Facebook Booking forms for bike hire www.megasport.pt/uk sport material and available via blog. online but not for tours. /default.asp?flag=55 accessories - Classes to learn how to Full pricing information The blog which contains ride a bicycle or just to and what is included in information regarding the improve it, including the blog. tours is poorly presented: jumps techniques hard to find the information, - Rent a Bike not intuitive. - Technical assistance - Baggage transfer service - Guided Bike Tours Tomas Swift Metcalfe - - Algarve based Quite a lot of Facebook, Big emphasis on cycling www.swiftmomentum - Training information, but Twitter, training sports.com - Bike rental detailed itineraries only Linkedin, - Holidays (Road cycling available by contacting Pinterest and mountain bikes the company MTBIKES Algarve - - Mountain bike holidays Limited information Facebook, Basic information and www.mtbalgarve.com/ and hire around Faro YouTube, website Pricing included Twitter Bike Rental

Freeflow 8 day self guided Full details of Itineraries Choice of 4 cycling tours Full details of Itineraries Facebook Full online booking facility. http://www.freeflow- Vicentine Coast available. (3 of which including the available. cycling.pt

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JPTO Bike in Portugal - - 10 cycle tours in Full details of Itineraries Facebook, Full online booking facility. http://bikeinportugal.p Portugal (Incl Azores) – 1 available. Instagram t/ including the Algarve Easy to navigate website, Full pricing information well presented and what is included

ALGARCROSS Walking available Little information given Bike Rental Little information given None listed The English version does not www.algarcross.com/ - Via Algaviana work. - Rota do Minerio Mountain bike tours in Large range of activities on - Rota do Contrabando Rota do Minerio offer Very basic website Algarve Cycling - - 2 x Mountain biking Full details of Itineraries Facebook Newsletter available Holydays packages and 1 x road available. http://www.algarve- cycling Excellent website, easily cycling-holidays.com/ Full pricing information navigable, full of Choice of 2 hotels and what is included information

Day tours/bike hire Booking forms available available from the Bike Station at the Martinhal Non cycling activities Hotel available Alternativtour Half day trips in Full pricing available Half day trips in Full pricing available Facebook Based in Adventure Park www.alternativtour.co Adventure Park Foia/ Adventure Park Foia/ Fóia m Monchique Monchique Large range of outdoor activities Bike rental Multi activity packages available

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Company / Type of Walking Description of Cycling Related Description of Social Notes Website Services (Guided/ Walking Itineraries/ Services (Guided/ Cycling Itineraries/ Media Duration) Areas Covered/ Duration) Areas Covered/ Presence Pricing Pricing Outdoor - Tours Day/half day tours and 1 Information available on Day/half day tours and 1 Information available on Facebook, Website could be better http://www.outdoor- centre base walking tour guesthouse/base centre base cycling tour guesthouse/base Google +, organised. tours.com/ available location but routes are available location but routes are Linkedin, not described not described Twitter Canoeing/kayaking also available. Day/half day walks well Day/half day cycles well described described

Pricing available Pricing available Tours & Tracks 6 day guided walking Full details of Itineraries 7 day/half day guided Full details of Itineraries Not listed Large range of activities on http://www.toursandt tours available. mountain biking tours available. offer racksalgarve.com/pt/ Long distance self Long distance self guided routes: Full pricing information guided routes: Full pricing information Booking and enquiries via - Rota Vicentina and what is included - Rota Vicentina and what is included email - the Fisherman's Trail - the Fisherman's Trail - Via Algarviana - Via Algarviana

1 day guided cycling tour 3 long distance cycling tours Vicentina Travel 6 self guided walking Full details of Itineraries 3 self guided cycling Full details of Itineraries Facebook Easy to navigate website http://www.vicentinat tours in the Algarve available. tours in the Algarve + available. ravel.com/ tailor made Full pricing information Full pricing information and what is included and what is included

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Janela D'Aventura Details of walking tours: Full details of Itineraries Details of cycling tours: Full details of Itineraries Facebook, No online booking facility http://www.activityalg re-directed to Tours and available. re-directed to available. Twitter, A lot of information on the arve.com/ Tracks website algarvebikeholidays.com Google +, Algarve via Full pricing information Full pricing information YouTube algarvebikeholidays.com Centre based walking and what is included Wide range of long and what is included holiday distance / half day / Long distance walking tailor made holidays holiday (touring bike/mountain Half day guided walking bike/Road bike/E bike) tours

Valente & Carvalho - - - Guided 5 day road biking Full pricing information Limited Limited amount of Fun Bike Shop trip and what is included presence on information http://www.algarvelo. Facebook, com/ Limited information on Twitter, itinerary Google+, Pinterest

Mountain Bike - - Mountain biking Itineraries available Instagram, Website hard to navigate Adventure day/half day trips and Facebook, http://themountainbik holidays Twitter, Mixed activity packages eadventure.com/ YouTube available

Staller Bike - - Bike Station in Robinson Limited amount of None listed English version not available http://www.stallerbike Club Quinta da Ria, information on tours .de Tavira. Basic information No pricing found

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Branquinho da Silva - - Bike Rental Maps of mountain bike Facebook, Limited information http://www.abiliobike tracks and road tracks Instagram, s.com/ on website. Twitter

Tours page empty Fun River 3 routes featured Little information Bike Rental Little information Facebook Wide range of activities, but http://www.fun- provided provided very little information on river.com 1 route featured each

Very poor website Lands Half day guided walk in Excellent amount of - - None listed Also on offer: kayak and www.lands.pt Ria Formosa information on the walk sailing Booking form available Etnogarbe Very limited amount of Very limited amount of - - Facebook, Non Portuguese pages on www.etnogarbe.com/ information information Google+, Trails not available YouTube, Instagram Walking Sagres 4 half day tours Good information on - - None listed Nice simple website www.walkinsagres.co tours including pricing m/walkin_i.html Proactive Tour Activity programme not - - - Twitter, Consultancy on Ecotourism, www.proactivetur.pt/e found on website Facebook, Environmental Management n/index.php Blogspot and Rural Development

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Company / Type of Walking Description of Cycling Related Description of Social Notes Website Services (Guided/ Walking Itineraries/ Services (Guided/ Cycling Itineraries/ Media Duration) Areas Covered/ Duration) Areas Covered/ Presence Pricing Pricing SAL Day/Half day tours (Not Itineraries and pricing - - Facebook Very poor website www.sal.pt sure if Algarve is included Translation using Google included) Translate only Portugal Walk Hike Day/half day walks Excellent amount of - - Facebook Booking via booking form www.portugalwalkhike information and pricing .com Tailor made walks Excellent amount of available Location of trails could information be better described.

Portugal 4U Guided – easy/medium No information on the - - Facebook, Nature / cultural activities www.portugal4U.pt difficulty tours available Twitter, Pinterest, Vimeo, Instagram, Linkedin Passeios Ria Formosa West Coast day tour Pricing and itinerary Facebook, Offer mostly water-based http://www.passeios- available Twitter, activities ria-formosa.com/pt YouTube, Google+ Booking form available

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